Bus Operations Graduate

As a Bus Operations Graduate, you will gain hands-on experience of the people, processes, and decisions that ensure our bus services operate safely, reliably, and efficiently.

This role offers the chance to understand how a large-scale transport operation functions. You will gain experience across various areas of our bus business, contributing to services that positively impact local communities.

What You'll Do

Throughout the two-year programme, you will be exposed to a range of operational activities and teams, potentially including:

• Service delivery
• Depot operations
• Network performance
• Customer experience
• Safety
• Engineering
• Workforce planning

You will collaborate with experienced colleagues to understand operational decision-making and how different business functions work together to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable services.

Your contributions will involve:

• Supporting operational improvement initiatives
• Analysing performance data
• Solving day-to-day challenges
• Assisting with activities to enhance outcomes for customers, colleagues, and the wider business

Upon completion, you will possess a comprehensive understanding of Arriva's bus operations and a solid foundation for a career in operational management.

Location

This role is based within one of three business areas: Arriva North & Wales, Arriva South, or Arriva London. Potential locations include key operational sites such as Aintree, Doxford Park (Sunderland), Wakefield Bus Station, Thurmaston (Leicester), Luton, and either Lacon House or Finsbury Park in London. Exact locations may vary based on business needs. The role involves hands-on experience across operations, requiring you to be on-site five days a week during operational placements.

What We're Looking For

We seek graduates who are curious, driven, and confident learners. You should be proactive, build positive relationships, and aim to make a meaningful contribution from the outset. Your potential is key; we are looking for individuals eager to learn, motivated to grow, and ready to develop their Arriva Graduate EDGE.

About You

Applications are welcome from graduates of all degree disciplines. We are particularly interested in candidates who:

• Enjoy working with and supporting people.
• Are curious about the planning, delivery, and improvement of large-scale operations.
• Enjoy problem-solving and finding practical solutions.
• Can manage competing priorities and remain calm under pressure.
• Possess strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Enjoy analysing information and using insights for decision-making.
• Are interested in delivering excellent customer service.
• Enjoy collaborative work with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Are motivated to take ownership and make a positive contribution.
• Wish to contribute to the future of public transport.
• Are interested in an international environment and collaborating across cultures.
• Are comfortable using AI tools to enhance productivity, generate insights, improve problem-solving, and identify new working methods.

The Graduate Programme

This is a two-year graduate development programme that includes structured learning, mentoring, exposure to senior leaders, and a network of fellow graduates across Arriva. The programme aims to help you explore various career paths and build a strong foundation for your future career by developing your operational, commercial, and leadership capabilities.

Eligibility Requirements

• 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 as required for the programme.

For any questions, please contact the Early Careers team at earlycareers@arriva.co.uk.