Location: Doxford, Thurmaston or Lacon
Drive the future of UK Bus franchising through technology
Arriva is one of Europe's leading passenger transport partners, connecting people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably. Operating across 11 countries and employing around 35,000 people, we deliver more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys every year.
With a proud heritage dating back to 1938 and an ambitious growth and sustainability agenda, Arriva continues to evolve following its acquisition by I Squared Capital in 2024.
We are now looking for a Product Manager - UK Bus Franchising to join our Digital & Technology team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting franchise bids, mobilisation programmes and ongoing operations by shaping and coordinating technology solutions that deliver value for our customers, stakeholders and business.
The Role
As Product Manager - UK Bus Franchising, you will be responsible for defining and coordinating technology product solutions that support franchise opportunities across the UK Bus business.
Working across a broad portfolio of operational and back-office technologies, you will collaborate with Product Managers, Finance, Procurement, operational teams, bid teams, suppliers and business stakeholders to ensure solutions are scalable, supportable, cost-effective and aligned to both franchise requirements and Arriva's wider Digital & Technology strategy.
You will act as a key link between multiple teams, ensuring technology requirements are translated into practical, commercially viable solutions that strengthen our franchise propositions and support successful mobilisation.
This role can be based from either our Sunderland or London office and operates on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of three days per week in the office.
Key Responsibilities
Product Strategy & Roadmap
- Develop and maintain a clear vision for franchising technology solutions across on-bus, depot and back-office environments.
- Ensure franchising requirements are reflected within relevant product roadmaps.
- Identify opportunities for innovation, standardisation and product reuse across the portfolio.
- Coordinate priorities across Product Managers to support franchise opportunities.
- Translate franchise and bid requirements into actionable product inputs.
- Work with business stakeholders to develop reusable technology solutions for franchise bids.
Mobilisation & Delivery Readiness
- Support mobilisation planning by ensuring product requirements are clearly defined and aligned.
- Coordinate dependencies, risks and sequencing across teams and products.
- Work closely with operational and delivery teams to ensure successful mobilisation.
- Ensure solutions can be effectively supported by internal teams, suppliers and service management functions.
Financial & Commercial Collaboration
- Partner with Finance teams to develop and validate technology cost models for franchise bids.
- Coordinate cost inputs from product teams, suppliers and delivery partners.
- Ensure commercial assumptions are realistic, sustainable and aligned to delivery objectives.
- Identify opportunities to optimise costs through standardisation and solution reuse.
Supplier & Procurement Management
- Support sourcing activities and supplier selection processes.
- Collaborate with Procurement to deliver value-driven technology solutions.
- Drive greater efficiency through supplier consolidation, standardisation and reuse.
- Contribute to commercial negotiations and supplier discussions.
Stakeholder Engagement & Governance
- Build strong relationships across business, operational and technology teams.
- Facilitate workshops, governance meetings and alignment sessions.
- Act as the key contact for franchising technology product coordination.
- Ensure solutions meet contractual, regulatory and security requirements.
- Maintain oversight of documentation, governance and audit requirements.
About You
We're looking for a collaborative and commercially aware Product Manager who can bring people together, influence across functions and drive clarity in complex environments.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Experience in Product Management within operational or business-critical environments.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience coordinating multiple priorities and product streams.
- Understanding of enterprise systems and process improvement.
- Ability to influence decision-making across diverse teams and functions.
- Strong commercial awareness and problem-solving capability.
Desirable Experience
- Experience within transport, logistics or other regulated industries.
- Experience working with Finance and Procurement teams.
- Knowledge of operational technology and transport systems.
- Understanding of data platforms, integrations and enterprise architecture.
Products and Technologies You'll Support
You will work across a diverse and evolving technology landscape, including:
- On-bus technology including ticketing, CCTV, Wi-Fi, AV and telematics
- Depot infrastructure and connectivity solutions
- Scheduling and rostering systems such as Optibus
- Payroll and back-office platforms
- Data and integration platforms
- Control room and operational systems
Why Arriva?
At Arriva, you'll join a business that is shaping the future of public transport across the UK and Europe. You'll have the opportunity to work on high-profile franchising programmes, influence strategic technology decisions and collaborate with colleagues across multiple disciplines to deliver innovative, sustainable transport solutions.
If you're passionate about product management, technology and driving business value through collaboration and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help shape the future of UK Bus franchising at Arriva.
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