Coaching Management Graduate

About First Bus:

Are you ready to advance your career with one of the UK's leading bus operators? Join a forward-thinking company that embraces cutting-edge bus technology, from innovative mobile apps to environmentally friendly vehicles. We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. We are at the forefront of innovation in the industry, connecting communities and shaping the future of public transport.

Location - Lakeside, Ellesmere

The Coaching Management Graduate will join the First Bus Graduate Programme, a two-year development programme designed to build the knowledge, skills and experience needed to contribute to the growth of First Bus’s coaching business, a key part of the organisation’s growth strategy.

Through a series of placements across First Bus’s coach businesses, the graduate will gain hands-on experience of different operations, market segments and geographies.

Working alongside experienced colleagues, they will take on meaningful responsibilities, develop an understanding of the coaching sector and identify opportunities to improve performance, create synergies and support future growth.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

The postholder will take ownership of their personal and professional development, making effective use of the support and opportunities available through the First Bus Graduate Programme. Key responsibilities will include:

• Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders across First Bus’s coaching businesses.
• Gain broad, practical experience across the different coach businesses and activities, developing an understanding of their operations, capabilities and markets.
• Lead projects and workstreams that support business improvement, operational performance and growth opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to share best practice, improve efficiency and create synergies across the coaching businesses.

How will the programme help you develop?

You’ll receive dedicated support throughout the programme from a buddy, a mentor and managers who are invested in your development.

Our development programme will help you build the skills, knowledge and experience needed to become a future leader within our coaching businesses.

This will include:

• Our New Manager Programme, providing the fundamentals of people management.
• Four two-day graduate learning events, bringing you together with fellow graduates to develop your skills and knowledge.
• Regular learning sessions with subject matter experts, helping you build your understanding of the public transport industry and our business.
• Study support for a relevant qualification; for example, the International Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

At the end of the two-year programme, you’ll be expected to move into a management role within our coaching business.

About you

We’re looking for analytical, adaptable and forward-thinking individuals who are excited by change and want to help shape the future of First Bus. You’ll need:

• A degree in any discipline, with a 2:2 or above, achieved in 2025 or 2026.
• A full UK driving licence.
• A passion for customer service and delivering a positive customer experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Resilience and a positive approach to learning and development.
• The right to work in the UK.
• Be geographically flexible, with the first rotation expected to take place in Shropshire, with the second likely to be in Yorkshire.

Application process

Our recruitment process is designed to help us understand your strengths, potential and suitability for the programme.

• Online assessment – You’ll complete an online assessment through Arctic Shores, using interactive, game-based exercises to help us understand your behavioural strengths and potential.
• Microsoft Teams video interview – You’ll be invited to a video interview via Microsoft Teams, where we’ll learn more about your motivation for joining First Bus, your skills and your interest in the programme.
• Assessment centre – You’ll take part in an assessment centre, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your strengths, problem-solving skills and potential to succeed on the programme. A final-stage interview may also follow the assessment centre.

Salary - Competitive

The closing date for applications is Friday 27th November. Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than advertised should we receive a high volume of applications

Rewards

Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
• Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
• Cycle to work scheme
• Up to 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares

Equal Opportunities

Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities, and people. We welcome applications from all.

Why work here?

We are always looking for skilled and talented people to join us across our sixty plus depots from Aberdeen to Truro. It takes a dedicated team of specialists and professionals over just about every type of role you can think of to keep us on the road and creating amazing passenger journeys.

About Us

We’ve embarked on a journey of major transformation – to make sure we put our people and customers first. Our people are the beating heart of First Bus. Without them, there would be no drivers to take customers to where they need to go and no engineers to keep our buses safely on the road.
Our transformation programme is designed to reshape our business to meet tomorrow’s travel needs.