Career opportunities

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Managing Director

Managing Directors take a leading role in the management of a bus company. They are responsible for deciding a company’s objectives and targets and provide the leadership and support to make sure that they are being achieved.

Managing Directors are ultimately responsible for the way a company does its business; from its HR practices to the way it delivers its services. They will work with other directors and managers from all the departments in the company to ensure that the business is operating as required and to support and advise on any challenges.

As well as dealing with policies, strategies and data, a managing director must be able to deal with people; ideally they should be a strong leader who is able to inspire their employees to succeed.

The salary for managing directors can be from £50000 upwards.

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Working environment

Managing Directors can work long hours and may find themselves working at weekends, early mornings and late nights.

They may spend a lot of time in their office, working on a computer or reading documents, but they will also spend a lot of time meeting with other people. They may often have to travel to meetings and conferences as well.Go Back

Skills and interests

It is important for managing directors to be interested in interacting with a wide variety of people. They must also enjoy leading and managing. Managing Directors should also have an in depth knowledge of their company and the industry in which they operate.

Key skills for this role include:
-    Leadership and management skills
-    Financial and data/numerical skills
-    Negotiation and persuasion skills
-    Good communication skills and the ability to present issues clearly
-    Strong decision making ability
-    Willingness to be ultimately responsible for all actions
-    Good organisational skillsGo Back

Entry into the role

There is no set route to becoming a director, although most Managing Directors work their way up through management and senior management roles. Many Managing Directors are appointed through internal promotion, although recruitment through specialist agencies or national advertising is not uncommon.
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Opportunities

With experience Managing Directors can progress to take on positions such as Chief Executive. They may also become the chair of an organisation.

There are a wide range of courses available to help with skills development, such as the Institute of Directors’ Certificate and Diploma in Company Direction. Managing Directors can also qualify as Chartered Directors.
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Useful links

• Institute of Directors
• Confederation of Passenger Transport
• Arriva
• First UK Bus
• GoAhead
• National Express
• Stagecoach
• Route One (magazine)
• Bus & Coach Professional (magazine)
• Coach and Bus Monthly (magazine)

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Case Studies

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  BUS - managing director
  Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, Michelle Hargreaves, talks about her career.

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