Job Description

Company Overview

Shiel Buses is a proud family-owned business based in Lochaber with over 40 years of dedicated service. We specialize in local community transportation, touring, and private hire services, serving both local residents and visitors with a fleet of 50 vehicles and a team of approximately 80 staff. Our commitment is to provide reliable, high-quality transport solutions that connect communities and enhance travel experiences.

Summary

The 'Private Hire Manager' is a key leadership role at Shiel Buses, responsible for overseeing day-to-day management and running of the Private Hire dept. including driver and vehicle management and oversight. This position is based in Fort William and plays a vital part in supporting our ongoing growth and service excellence.

Responsibilities

Owner of Private hire dept and contracts including pricing, client liaison where necessary and its delivery. Responsible for being the Private Hire teams' main point of contact in addition to advising on customer enquiries. Responsible for the development, communication and distribution of driver and vehicle allocations in line with business needs including holiday allocation, recording and cover where necessary. The role works closely with the Manager - Services Delivery to ensure there are no clashes in services, drivers and delivery. Vehicle allocations to include availability, size, customer requirement etc. Works closely with Manager - Engineering & Maintenance to ensure correct allocations of buses for service and inspections and defect rectification. Liaise with drivers and inform other managers when diversions are in place due to road closures. Tracking of services and vehicles. Ensure office staff and managers are aware of delays and cause to ensure appropriate response to public (calls and social media). Diverting or organising replacement bus if necessary. Owner of the Coach Manager booking system and operating the tachomaster compliance software and keeping it up to date. Ensures the business doesn't run short and where necessary acts as extra Driver support. Cleaning and fuelling private hire vehicles - ensure drivers are aware of their responsibilities and this is being carried out by all drivers and non-compliant drivers are held to account as necessary. Running boards - Ensure running boards match the agreed Itinerary and that drivers adhere to them. Ensure we maintain our compliance with our license to operate and its undertakings and as necessary for example, audit driver walk rounds and defect checks, driver hours rules and all other license undertakings. Acts as deputy during periods of sickness and/or holiday for other managers where appropriate.
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Qualifications

Proven experience in Private Hire work Proven experience with Coach Manager or similar systems. Financially literate and able to develop efficient costing Negotiation skills Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Knowledge of employment laws and best practices. Leadership qualities with the ability to influence stakeholders. Experience working in a fast-paced environment. A proactive approach to problem-solving.
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Call-To-Action

'Join us at Shiel Buses and help shape the future of community transportation--your expertise can drive our success forward!'

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount Free or subsidised travel Free parking On-site parking Store discount
Work Location: In person