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We're all about journeys. We're all about journeys. A to B. Here to there. We connect people and communities, and we make sure they're smiling along the way. Our graduate roles are designed to take you on a journey, too. Wherever you envision your career going, opportunities within First Bus are the perfect place to start.
Over the course of two years as a Bus Commercial Management Graduate, we'll provide the development, mentorship and support needed for you to thrive in whatever direction your career takes you. First Bus graduates don't spend all their time staring at computer screens or fetching coffees. We're big believers in hands-on experience. From day one you'll be working with senior colleagues and absorbing as much as you can.
Who will I be working for?
First Bus are one of the largest bus operators in the UK operating around a fifth of local bus services, including 40 of the UK's largest towns and cities. We have a fleet of approximately 6,300 buses and we have 14,500 colleagues based across our 65 depots. Since 2010 we have invested in more than 2,300 new buses across our fleet, helping us to improve punctuality, fuel and cost efficiency and reduce our environmental impact.
In the UK we're going on an exciting journey, and our Commercial team are along for the ride. We've invested in systems and technology which mean we understand more than ever about our customers and our business. As a result, we now offer all types of buses. Based in Leeds, the Bus Commercial graduate will sit in a team responsible for revenue modelling, network optimisation, fares strategy, product development, customer experience design, marketing, digital and retail strategy.
What does the programme involve?
We're keen to encourage our graduates to get out of their comfort zones, so you'll need plenty of drive as you get to grips with our day-to-day.
As well as this, it'll be important for you to build solid relationships and collaborate with your colleagues at every level; you should be personable and eager to learn. Ours is a fast-moving operation in more ways than one, so you'll also be able to think on your feet and devise innovative solutions to any challenges that come your way. It's about being creative – looking at things from a new angle, finding ways to do things differently but effectively – and remaining resilient. And of course, you'll always put the safety and happiness of our passengers and our people first.
You'll be on the move from day one and across six work streams you'll get stuck into:
- Optimising where and when we run buses.
- Working with partners to identify new commercial opportunities to improve our offer for customers.
- Designing and simplifying our range of tickets, understanding how price and channel impacts demand.
- Developing marketing & PR plans that will drive more customers onto our buses.
- Improving our App and Website products.
- Understanding what delivers profitability in a bus business.
In addition to the above, as you gain more experience you may find yourself involved in:
- identifying issues and forming hypotheses and solutions,
- presenting your findings and recommendations,
- developing ideas and negotiating with partners,
- managing projects and programmes, and
- writing evidenced based delivery plans as part of the project submissions.
Who are you looking for and what qualifications
do I need?
First things first: we'd like you to have or be expecting to achieve at least a 2:2 in any degree, though business related degrees are preferable.
If you're ready to get stuck in, take on new challenges and discover all of the incredible doors that a career with First Bus can open, we want to hear from you. You'll be mentored at every stage and we'll work with you to make sure that you realise your full potential. You should have a real willingness to keep on learning from others plus the determination to drive your own development too. You should also feel confident and comfortable working in a demanding commercial environment and strongly believe in the organisation's goals and values; safety and the customer should be at the heart of everything you do.
What will I receive in return?
We offer a competitive salary, travel benefits, pension scheme, buy as you earn and save as you earn share schemes as well as discount and cash back programmes with high street and online retailers. On top of these, we'll also offer you development courses, all supported by a range of colleagues within a wide network. And if applicable, opportunities to apply for professional training in fields of interest that are relevant for your role.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. This means we are creating a culture where all our colleagues can thrive.
How will I be selected?
Our graduate recruitment process has five key stages. Once you've submitted your application, you'll be invited to complete a series of online tests. If successful, it's onto video interviews, then an Assessment Centre, and then we make our offers. We'll update you on the progress of your application by email, so make sure you keep an eye on your inbox.
Applications must be received by the 16th January, and where applicable pre-assessment stages completed before the 31st January, 2022.
Join us at FirstGroup today and find out where tomorrow could take you.
