We are looking for ambitious, motivated graduates to join our 18-month Operations Development Programme. The scheme offers hands-on experience across multiple operational areas of the business, with opportunities for secondments across the wider Go-Ahead Group to broaden your industry knowledge and support your long-term career development.
We’re seeking resourceful and curious individuals with strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for problem-solving and sustainable transport. Many of our senior leaders began their careers on our graduate programmes, making this an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding future within one of the UK’s leading transport groups.
What are we looking for in our future operational leaders? The successful candidate must:
* Have a valid driving licence by the start of their employment.
* Be interested, and able, to obtain a PCV licence.
* Have a 2:2 degree or above in any degree discipline or be expected to receive this.
* Have permission to work in the United Kingdom.
* Have strong technical and operational skills.
* Show an interest in the industry; extensive knowledge of the industry is not essential, but you must show eagerness to learn.
* Collaborative and accountable individuals who can use their own initiative as well as take guidance from colleagues.
* Ability to communicate effectively with people from all backgrounds to express views, challenge ideas and influence decisions.
* Willingness to travel to take on new challenges in different parts of the business.
What you can expect to experience
* Manage relationships with customers, colleagues, and our external partners.
* Real responsibility and accountability from day one, supported by opportunities to shadow our business leaders to benefit from their experience.
* Secondments to other areas of our business to develop your skills and industry knowledge.
* Opportunity to influence and contribute to decision making within an industry leading business.
* Structured learning and development alongside your day-to-day role.
* Opportunity to network and share your experiences with your colleagues and peers.
* Zero-carbon initiatives and innovation.
What behaviours you’ll exhibit
* Insight & Innovation – Use internal and external information to identify opportunities, think creatively, and generate ideas that drive continuous improvement.
* Strategic & Flexible Thinking – Approach challenges from multiple perspectives, value diverse viewpoints, and adapt thinking to meet evolving business needs.
* Communication & Influence – Communicate clearly and confidently, build strong networks, and constructively challenge to achieve positive outcomes.
* Collaboration & People Development – Foster teamwork, value others’ contributions, and create an environment where people can learn, grow, and succeed.
* Delivery & Accountability – Take ownership, enable action, and deliver measurable results, particularly during periods of change.
* Customer Focus – Anticipate customer needs and ensure the organisation stays ahead in delivering value.
What you’ll get out of it
* Clear and structured pathway to progression.
* Exposure to all areas of our business, and the wider bus industry.
* Free travel on many of Go-Ahead’s services.
* Opportunity to get your PCV (bus) driving licence.
* Institution of Occupational Safety and Health training.
* Opportunity to earn recognised qualifications in transport, such as Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence.
* Dedicated mentor throughout the duration of the programme
Salary description
£26000.00 - £30000.00 per year