Operations Manager

About Us:

As one of the largest private bus operators across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, CDC Victoria is in the business of “Linking People, Places and Communities”. 

With a fleet of 500 buses and coaches, we employ over 1100 staff from 80 diverse nations, and operate out of 8 depots – in Ballarat, Geelong, Mildura, Broken Hill, Oakleigh, Sunshine, Tullamarine and Wyndham, which incorporates our Head Office. 

We serve the community by providing essential public transport and offering reliable charter services to schools, sporting groups and other recreational groups within Victoria.

The Opportunity:

We’re on the lookout for a high-impact, people-driven Operations Manager to lead the charge across two depots, Tullamarine and Westmeadows. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity where you'll be responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of all contracted bus services — setting the benchmark for operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Reporting directly to the Service Delivery Manager, you’ll lead and inspire a dedicated frontline team, driving performance, ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards, and delivering service outcomes that exceed expectations. You’ll play a key role in operational strategy, workforce engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives that shape the future of public transport in the region.

If you’re a resilient, solutions-focused leader ready to influence real change and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment — we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver safe, punctual scheduled and school services in line with KPIs and compliance standards.

• Lead, coach, and support the operations team, fostering a high-performance, safety-first culture.

• Manage driver, vehicle, and resource deployment, ensuring depot readiness and effective disruption management.

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, roster compliance, and workforce planning.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders (DTP, PTV, schools, councils) to optimise service delivery and customer outcomes.

• Drive strategic and operational initiatives in partnership with the Service Delivery Manager.

• Ensure compliance with OH&S, Bus Safety Act, WorkSafe, and manage WorkCover claims and Return-to-Work processes.

• Maintain operational records, manage rosters, payroll input, and support continuous service and process improvements.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience in public transport or logistics operations, ideally within a 100+ vehicle depot environment.

• Strong understanding of government contracts, KPIs, and safety regulations (Bus Safety Act, NHVR, WorkSafe).

• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team development skills.

• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., D365) and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Desirable: HR Licence, Driver Accreditation, Working with Children Check.

• Desirable: Certificate IV or higher in Transport & Logistics, Business, or a related discipline.

• Desirable: Experience working with regulatory bodies such as PTV/DoT or Transport Safety Victoria.

Benefits of working with CDC Victoria:

• Uniform provided

• Access to discounted gym memberships via Fitness Passport 

• Access to discounted Health Insurance

• Novated leasing available 

• Inclusive and supportive team environment 

• Backed by a large multinational organisation with established training programs, structures, and procedures.

If you are a passionate individual, looking for an opportunity to join our growing and exciting industry, please apply by submitting your Resume and a Cover Letter via the link below.

CDC is an equal-opportunity employer committed to attracting and developing a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. We encourage and welcome applications from all genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people with a disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.