Head – Bus Operations

Role Overview

The Head – Bus Operations will be responsible for end-to-end operational performance of Universal Bus Services’ interstate and intrastate bus fleet. This role is critical in ensuring high fleet utilization, punctuality, safety, customer experience, cost control, and regulatory compliance, while driving operational excellence across hubs, depots, and routes.

The role demands a hands-on leader with deep experience in large commercial bus operations, capable of managing multi-location teams and working closely with maintenance, finance, vendors, OEMs, and government authorities.

Key Responsibilities1. Fleet Operations & Route Management

• Oversee daily operations of the bus fleet across all hubs and routes.
• Ensure maximum fleet utilization, optimal schedules, and minimal downtime.
• Monitor on-time performance, trip completion, cancellations, and breakdowns.
• Plan route expansions, rationalization, and service changes based on demand and profitability.

2. Operations Control & Performance Monitoring

• Establish and monitor KPIs such as:
• Vehicle availability & operational days
• KM per bus per day
• Cost per km
• Breakdown frequency
• Fuel / energy efficiency
• Drive corrective actions to improve performance and reduce losses.
• Use MIS, dashboards, and ERP systems for real-time tracking and decision-making.

3. Driver & Crew Management

• Oversee recruitment, deployment, rostering, and performance of drivers and onboard staff.
• Ensure strict adherence to duty hours, rest periods, and safety norms.
• Drive training programs for:
• Safe driving practices
• Customer service
• EV / new-technology orientation (where applicable)
• Implement disciplinary processes and incentive structures.

4. Safety, Compliance & Regulatory Liaison

• Ensure compliance with:
• Motor Vehicles Act
• AITP / contract carriage permits
• State and interstate transport regulations
• Handle inspections, check-post issues, detentions, and penalties.
• Coordinate with Transport Departments, RTOs, and enforcement authorities.
• Ensure accident management, incident reporting, and insurance coordination.

5. Maintenance & Breakdown Coordination

• Work closely with the maintenance team to ensure preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Reduce breakdowns through data-driven maintenance planning.
• Coordinate with OEMs, service partners, and spare-parts vendors.
• Ensure vehicle fitness, cleanliness, and readiness at all times.

6. Cost Control & Operational Profitability

• Control operational expenses including fuel/energy, crew costs, tolls, permits, and repairs.
• Identify leakages, inefficiencies, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Support finance team in route-wise P&L analysis and budgeting.
• Ensure operational alignment with commercial agreements and aggregators (where applicable).

7. Customer Experience & Service Quality

• Ensure high service standards in:
• Punctuality
• Cleanliness
• Crew behavior
• On-road issue resolution
• Monitor customer complaints, NPS, and feedback.
• Implement continuous improvements to enhance passenger experience.

8. Team Leadership & Expansion Readiness

• Lead and mentor hub managers, operations managers, and field teams.
• Build scalable SOPs and processes for growth.
• Support introduction of new technologies, EV buses, and new business models.
• Act as the single point of accountability for operations during scale-up.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong command over intercity/interstate bus operations
• Deep understanding of Indian transport regulations
• Data-driven decision-making and MIS expertise
• Crisis management and on-ground problem-solving
• Leadership across large, distributed teams
• Commercial acumen and cost optimization mindset
• Ability to work closely with founders and senior leadership

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Logistics, or related field

(MBA / PGDM in Operations preferred)

• 6–8+ years of experience in commercial bus operations or large fleet management
• Prior experience managing 100+ buses across multiple states is highly preferred
• Experience with aggregator models, EV buses, or mixed fleets will be an added advantage

Why Join Universal Bus Services

• One of South India’s largest and most respected private bus operators
• Exposure to large-scale operations, interstate networks, and future-ready mobility
• Opportunity to play a key role in fleet expansion and electrification
• High ownership role with direct impact on business performance

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹1,800,000.00 - ₹3,000,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Provident Fund

Work Location: In person