First Bus
Scheduler
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Location: Chelmsford, hybrid role
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Salary: £36,000
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.
We're looking for a highly organised and analytical Scheduler to join our Network team. Based from our Chelmsford depot, this hybrid role offers the opportunity to play a key part in ensuring our bus services are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and cost-effectively.
As a Scheduler, you'll be responsible for creating and maintaining driver duties and rosters, supporting service changes, and ensuring schedules meet operational, commercial, and legal requirements. Working closely with Network Planning, Operations, HR and Trade Union representatives, you'll help shape schedules that support both business performance and employee wellbeing.
What you'll be doing
- Designing efficient and legally compliant driver duties and rosters that support service delivery and operational performance.
- Updating schedules in response to timetable changes, operational requirements, service enhancements and local authority interventions.
- Supporting forecasting and budgeting activities by modelling the impact of service changes on driver, fleet and resource requirements.
- Ensuring compliance with trade union agreements, working time regulations and driver rest requirements.
- Building strong working relationships with Trade Union representatives and acting as the first point of contact for scheduling-related discussions.
- Collaborating with Network Planning, Operations and HR teams to ensure schedules align with operational and commercial objectives.
- Incorporating driver preferences where operationally possible to support colleague engagement, wellbeing and retention.
- Maintaining accurate scheduling data across business systems, including EPM, DAS, Ticketer and BODS.
- Supporting tender submissions by providing scheduling and resource planning information.
- Assisting with fleet and electric vehicle scheduling, ensuring vehicle capabilities, charging requirements and maintenance needs are reflected in plans.
- Producing schedules within agreed planning cycles and supporting a structured review and approval process.
- Providing data and insights to support performance, efficiency and cost management initiatives.
- Deputising for the Senior Scheduler when required and supporting wider team activities.
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What we're looking for
- Proven experience in scheduling, workforce planning or operational planning environments.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to work confidently with data and resource planning.
- Knowledge of scheduling and optimisation systems; experience of Optibus would be advantageous but is not essential.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams.
- Experience of working with Trade Unions or within a unionised environment would be beneficial.
- Knowledge of electric vehicle scheduling considerations is desirable.
- The ability to prioritise competing demands and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance.
- A team-focused approach and willingness to support colleagues across the wider business.
- Geographical knowledge of the local operating area would be advantageous.
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Applications for the role will close 28 October, however we will be reviewing applications as they come in and may close the advert earlier, so don't hesitate to apply
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.
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