Bus Operations Graduate

As a Bus Operations Graduate, you'll gain hands-on experience of the people, processes and decisions that keep our bus services running safely, reliably and efficiently every day. Through the Graduate Programme, you'll gain exposure to a range of operational activities and teams and work alongside experienced colleagues to understand how operational decisions are made. The role is part of a two-year graduate development programme with structured learning, mentoring, exposure to senior leaders and a connected graduate network across Arriva. The role will be based within one of Arriva's three business areas: Arriva North & Wales, Arriva South, or Arriva London, with graduates typically based at key operational sites such as Aintree, Doxford Park (Sunderland), Wakefield Bus Station, Thurmaston (Leicester), Luton, and Lacon House or Finsbury Park in London, although exact locations may vary.

Responsibilities

Gain hands-on experience of the people, processes and decisions that keep bus services running safely, reliably and efficiently; Gain exposure to operational activities and teams such as service delivery, depot operations, network performance, customer experience, safety, engineering and workforce planning; Work alongside experienced colleagues to understand how operational decisions are made; Contribute to operational improvement initiatives; Analyse performance information; Solve day-to-day challenges; Support activities that help improve outcomes for customers, colleagues and the wider business; Work on site five days a week during operational placements

Requirements

To be on track to achieve, or have already achieved, a degree (2:1 preferred, with strong 2:2 applications considered); The right to work in the UK permanently; Availability to join the programme in September 2027; Willingness to travel where required as part of the programme

Nice to have

Enjoy working with and supporting people; Are curious about how large-scale operations are planned, delivered and improved; Enjoy solving problems and finding practical solutions; Can balance competing priorities and remain calm under pressure; Have strong communication and relationship-building skills; Enjoy analysing information and using insights to support decision-making; Are interested in delivering excellent customer service; Enjoy working collaboratively with different teams and stakeholders; Are motivated to take ownership and make a positive contribution from day one; Want to contribute to the future of public transport; Are interested in working in an international environment and collaborating with colleagues from different cultures and backgrounds; Are comfortable using AI tools to enhance productivity, generate insights, improve problem-solving and identify new ways of working

Benefits

Structured learning; Mentoring; Exposure to senior leaders; Connected graduate network across Arriva; Two-year graduate development programme