Operations Lead
Job description
About Ember
We're building the future of public transport — convenient, connected, affordable and zero-emission. Our goal is to make it easier to get from A to B with Ember than it is with your own car.
We’ve already demonstrated that it's possible to use electric buses more intensively than anyone else in the world. This leads to a massive emissions reduction and is only possible because we control the full-stack and integrate it tightly together. That includes the tech platform, the charging infrastructure and the vehicles themselves. This also means we’re providing a much better passenger experience with innovative features like demand-responsive stops.
We’ve come a long way but we’re still operating on a micro scale, with two routes and 24 buses. The challenge is to scale this 100x whilst staying lean, increasing efficiency and delivering an even better product experience. We’ve already successfully raised equity from some of Europe’s leading climate VCs and secured a large debt facility from our ethical banking partner so we’re looking for people who can help us take things to the next level.
The role
You’ll be working directly with the Head of Operations, managing the day-to-day, helping to drive the growth of our operations and establishing a playbook that will be used across multiple markets.
As well as working with our Head Office team in Edinburgh, you’ll be in close contact with teams at Ember’s hubs across Scotland. You’ll primarily be based in our Edinburgh office but will spend some time on the road visiting hubs. We’re also happy to offer some flexibility in working arrangements.
You don't need specific transport or mobility experience – it’s a bonus but none of us had any experience with buses before we launched. You will need to get comfortable with the rules, regulations and responsibilities but we can support with this, including helping you to get certified as a Transport Manager.
Diversity and equality
At Ember, we support diversity across our team and customers. We work to ensure every employee feels respected and able to give their best, whether temporary, part-time or full-time. We’re happy to offer flexible working patterns where they make sense, are compassionate when it comes to time off and offer enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
Read more about our approach in our Equal Opportunities Policy.
What’s on offer
As well as a salary of up to £70,000 per annum, depending on your experience, you'll be eligible for share options through an EMI scheme.
How do I apply?
Apply using the form, providing a CV and a cover letter explaining why you're the one. We're particularly interested to hear real world examples where you can demonstrate what you have done to turn real-world chaos into smooth running operations.
Job requirements
You should have a desire to get involved early in an organisation’s growth story with a real opportunity to make your mark. How you work and think is much more important to us than any specific industry experience. You should think that this sounds a lot like you:
A strong sense of what good really looks like whatever the topic, problem, or issue. After all, good is good.
An instinct and curiosity that draws you to problems and drives you to find a solution, rather than hoping someone else picks it up.
An innate structured thinker – everything is a series of steps which can be broken down and rationalised.
An ability to build strong relationships with a diverse range of people, from drivers to software developers. People management experience is helpful.
A master of organisation – nothing is dropped or missed, but sometimes it’s put on the back-burner because it isn’t a priority and can be compartmentalised.
A focus on long term progress and the ability to put things into perspective with ease. Use short term events to make long term improvements.
Willingness to get hands on and back yourself to work through any problem, including those outside of your realm of expertise.
A passion for efficiency and a meticulous attention to detail. You don’t sweat the petty things but you do know what to sweat and when.
A natural calmness, resilience and flexibility in the face of the kind of unexpected challenges that will sometimes arise in a fast-growing organisation.