Scheduler, Business

About First Bus

Join one of the UK's leading bus operators – a forward‑thinking company that embraces cutting‑edge bus technology, mobile apps, and environmentally‑friendly vehicles. We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. We have a fantastic opportunity for a Scheduler to join our Network team on a full‑time permanent basis. This hybrid role will be based from our Bristol depot.

The successful candidate will be responsible for creating efficient, legally compliant, and cost‑effective bus and driver schedules. Reporting to a Senior Scheduler, the Scheduler ensures services are deliverable, optimised, and aligned with operational and commercial goals and serves as the first point of contact for trade union relations.

• Duty and Roster Creation:
  Design and deliver efficient, compliant duties and rosters that align with network plans, operational constraints, driver availability, and trade union agreements, utilising the latest recommended software in First Bus.
• Tactical Scheduling and Service Change Support:
  Support tactical service change delivery, updating duties and rosters in response to timetable changes, operational disruptions, or local authority interventions.
• Resource Forecasting and Budgeting Support:
  Input into forecasting and budgeting, modelling the resource impact (e.g., drivers, hours, fleet) of planned and potential service changes.
• Regulatory and Agreement Compliance:
  Ensure compliance with trade union agreements, rest rules, and labour regulations – supporting operational delivery and workforce satisfaction.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Collaborate cross‑functionally, working closely with Network Planning, Operations and HR to ensure schedules support service quality and delivery goals.
• Supporting Driver Retention:
  Incorporate driver preferences where possible, supporting retention and wellbeing by shaping duties aligned to known preferences and operational feasibility.
• System Integration and Data Accuracy:
  Produce outputs for all other systems as required by the business and update them as appropriate including EPM, DAS, Ticketer and BODS, ensuring a high‑quality standard of information is delivered to required deadlines.
• Bid and Tender Support:
  Assist with the preparation of tender bids for submission, with support from the Network Planner/Planning Manager and Senior Scheduler where required.
• Fleet and EV Scheduling Adaptation:
  Support EV and fleet‑specific planning, adapting rosters and duties to accommodate vehicle capabilities, charging infrastructure and maintenance windows.
• Planning Cycle and Delivery Rhythm:
  Maintain a strong delivery rhythm, ensuring timely schedule production for change cycles and supporting structured planning, review and sign‑off processes.
• Performance Insight and Data Contribution:
  Provide data inputs and support performance tracking, helping the business understand how schedules impact cost, efficiency and staff availability.
• Leadership Support and Flexibility:
  Where appropriate deputise for the Senior Scheduler and take up other responsibilities commensurate with the role as deemed appropriate by the Senior Scheduler/Schedules Manager.

• Analytical and Scheduling Expertise:
  Highly numerate and data‑driven, with experience in the fundamentals of scheduling, optimisation and workforce planning.
• Technical Proficiency:
  Understanding of scheduling and the Optibus scheduling system is preferred, though not essential.
• Local Operational Knowledge:
  Geographical knowledge of the areas of operation and responsibility is preferred.
• Communication and Relationship Management:
  Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in managing union relationships and cross‑functional collaboration.
• EV Scheduling Familiarity:
  Knowledge of electric vehicle scheduling considerations is desirable.
• Performance Under Pressure:
  Ability to work in a high‑pressure environment consistently delivering on objectives within timeframe.
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Ability to work in a team.
• Delivery and Compliance:
  Ability to meet agreed legislative and internal process time‑scales.