Chris Speed

Proven history of leading change and transformation initiatives, attaining targeted outcomes, and fostering organisational growth. Innovative leadership style; expert at supervising best-in-class teams to ensure high levels of performance. Instrumental in managing strategic operations, directing budgets, and driving efficiency improvements.

Adept at understanding complex business landscapes, analysing challenges, and creating lasting solutions to enhance operational excellence and positively impact bottom line. Recognised as finalist for 2022 Route One Awards' Operations Manager Year. Equipped with exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.

First East of England – Based in Chelmsford covering Norfolk, Suffolk & Essex 2022 – 2023

Director of Operations

Spearheaded strategic operations for two OpCos within East of England region with keen focus on ensuring seamless execution of business plans. Crafted, managed, and adapted annual financial and non-financial budgets and effectively navigated revisions and forecasts to ensure fiscal success across two distinct businesses. Provided effective supervision to Head of Operations and Training & Recruitment Manager, overseeing nine managers across 15 sites spanning Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex.

Played key role in nurturing valuable relationships with key stakeholders, such as press, to optimise collaboration and leverage resources to their fullest potential.

• Served as Local Project Lead for Electric Vehicle (EV) transformation, aimed at driving key initiatives including Zebra Bid, expanding site infrastructure, and delivering comprehensive training programs for both bus drivers and engineers.
• Assumed leadership responsibilities as interim Managing Director and effectively oversaw operations during MD's absence.
• Accomplished impressive 7% reduction in employee sickness rates and significantly boosted staff engagement by 18%.
• Orchestrated seamless integration of two operations and two training departments into single Local Business Unit.
• Achieved notable 23% increase in staff (102 heads) by directing BSIP initiatives in Norfolk area.
• Secured significant multi-depot contract through competitive retendering process.

Head of Operations and Engineering

Ensured high levels of performance by providing strategic oversight to engineering department and training team. Identified areas for process improvement within operations and engineering departments. Ensured compliance with all relevant industry regulations and safety standards. Streamlined workflows and boosted efficiency while maintaining highest standards of quality and safety.

• Enhanced team efficiency and attained notable improvements in KPIs, covering reduced lost mileage, sickness rates, and improved driver safety management by leading and directing Southwest Ops team during interim Head of Operations role.
• Achieved cost reduction of 3% and simultaneously facilitated business growth by spearheading operational improvements.
• Accomplished significant 7.6% reduction in attrition during 2019-2020 fiscal year by delivering cost-effective operations and implementing effective sickness management and strategic workforce planning.
• Strategically restructured business to align staffing levels with customer demands while maintaining safety measures throughout pandemic, resulting in earning positive feedback from customers, staff, and stakeholders.
• Attained 9% increase in profits over three-year period by significantly improving service delivery.

2021 CPC – Transport Manager Refresher | 2021 IOSH – Managing Safely | 2015 Nebosh – Health and Safety Practical Application | 2015 Nebosh – Controlling Workplace Hazards | 2013 CPC – Transport Manager (PCV) | 2010 Chartered Institute of Managers – Level 5 NVQ (Degree) Management | 2008 Level 3 BTEC in Management and Leadership | 2007 Level 3 NVQ in Team Leadership