Duty Manager reference: JR11852

## Duty Manager Opportunity: Lead and Shape Frontline Operations This review provides an in-depth look at the Duty Manager position, designed to help prospective candidates understand the scope of this role and how it aligns with their career aspirations. At a competitive salary of £39,750, this is a significant opportunity to make a tangible impact within the UK's leading bus company, Stagecoach.

The core of this role revolves around the effective management of frontline driving teams. You will be instrumental in ensuring the performance, well-being, and continuous development of these essential colleagues. This goes beyond day-to-day oversight; it's about cultivating a thriving environment where service delivery consistently meets high operational, safety, and customer satisfaction standards. Your leadership will directly contribute to the profitable and efficient running of depot services.

Key Responsibilities and Advantages for Candidates:

• Team Leadership and Development: A significant advantage of this role is the opportunity to actively mentor and support frontline staff. You'll be empowered to build an inclusive and respectful workplace, fostering an environment where every team member feels valued and recognised for their contributions. This is an excellent platform for developing your people management and motivational skills.
• Performance Enhancement: You'll gain hands-on experience in overseeing driver performance and implementing targeted development plans. This aspect of the role allows you to hone your coaching abilities and contribute directly to team productivity and efficiency improvements.
• Operational Excellence: This position offers a comprehensive immersion into daily depot operations. You will be responsible for ensuring service reliability and efficiency, developing your problem-solving and proactive challenge-resolution capabilities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: A unique aspect of this role is the opportunity to engage with external stakeholders, including local authorities and other bodies. This provides valuable experience in public relations and strategic relationship management, broadening your professional network and influence.
• Safety Advocacy: Stagecoach places an unwavering emphasis on safety. As a Duty Manager, you will be a champion for high safety standards, ensuring that everyone returns home safely. This commitment to collective responsibility for safety offers a chance to uphold and promote ethical operational practices.
• Employee Relations: You will develop robust skills in handling employee relations matters, including absence management, grievances, and disciplinary procedures, in a fair and supportive manner. This experience is invaluable for career progression in management.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Industry Experience: While previous management or supervisory experience, particularly within the bus or transport industry, is preferred, it is not essential. This opens the door for motivated individuals from other sectors to transition and build a career in transport. The role requires adaptability and a willingness to learn industry-specific nuances.
• Legislative Knowledge: A solid understanding of the Road Traffic Act and Employment legislation is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate or develop this knowledge, highlighting the importance of compliance and robust HR practices within the role.
• Leadership and Influence: The ability to lead and inspire others to adopt best operational practices is paramount. Candidates with a natural inclination towards motivating teams and driving positive change will find this role particularly rewarding.
• Planning and Prioritisation: The dynamic nature of depot operations demands strong planning and prioritising skills. Candidates who excel in managing multiple tasks and adapting to changing circumstances will thrive.
• Commitment to Change: A self-motivated approach and a positive outlook towards change are essential. The transport sector is constantly evolving, and this role requires someone who can embrace and lead through transitions.

Why Choose This Opportunity?

Joining Stagecoach means becoming part of a supportive and collaborative team dedicated to innovation and customer excellence. Your input and leadership will directly influence the future of their services, with your impact visible and appreciated daily. Beyond the professional growth, Stagecoach offers a compelling benefits package, including a defined contribution pension scheme, 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, a Stagecoach bus travel pass for you and a companion, and access to a wide array of retail and leisure discounts.

Stagecoach is a proud inclusive employer, actively fostering a culture where diversity is celebrated and everyone can be their authentic self. They welcome applications from all individuals, recognising that diverse perspectives strengthen their organisation. Their five core values – Planning for the future, Doing the right thing, Being stronger together, Being down to earth, and Supporting communities – are deeply embedded in their operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking a challenging yet rewarding management role within a vital sector. If you are ready to raise the bar and contribute to a brilliant organisation, this Duty Manager position at Stagecoach Basingstoke is certainly worth exploring.