Business Development Manager / Operations manager

Business Development & Operations ManagerLocation: Ferntree Gully, VICEmployment: Full-time, On-siteCompany: Quest CoachesAbout Quest CoachesQuest Coaches is a growing, family-owned Victorian bus and coach company providing reliable and professional transport services to schools, corporate clients, government organisations, sporting groups, community organisations and other customers.We are committed to delivering safe, dependable and high-quality services while building strong, long-term relationships with our clients and partners.As the business continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Business Development & Operations Manager to join our team.This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys variety, takes ownership, works well under pressure and wants to have a direct impact on the growth and day-to-day performance of a successful transport business.About the RoleThe primary focus of this position will be winning new business and growing existing customer relationships, while also taking an active role in managing the company's day-to-day operations.You will work closely with the Director and have significant responsibility for identifying new opportunities, developing client relationships, preparing quotations and proposals, managing bookings and supporting the efficient operation of the business.The role will also involve administration, invoicing, basic bookkeeping, driver timesheets, operational reporting and coordination with drivers and maintenance providers.This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced professional who can move comfortably between business development, operations, administration and customer service.From time to time, the position may also require driving a bus or coach, so a Heavy Vehicle licence (MR/HR) is highly regarded.Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness Development & Sales – Primary FocusIdentify and pursue new business opportunities across the school, corporate, government, sporting and community sectors.Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.Generate leads and maintain an active sales pipeline.Prepare professional quotations, proposals and tender submissions.Follow up opportunities and convert enquiries into confirmed business.Negotiate pricing, contracts and service agreements.Identify opportunities to increase revenue from existing clients.Monitor market conditions and competitor activity.Represent Quest Coaches professionally in meetings, presentations and negotiations.Work with the Director to develop and implement business growth strategies.Track sales activity, conversion rates and revenue performance.Operations ManagementOversee the day-to-day operation of school services, charter work and special events.Manage bookings, scheduling, pricing and driver allocations.Coordinate driver run sheets, paperwork and operational communications.Ensure services are properly planned, resourced and delivered.Handle incoming phone and email enquiries and manage bookings from enquiry through to completion.Coordinate responses to driver absences, breakdowns and service disruptions.Provide operational support when required, including after-hours/on-call assistance.Liaise with drivers to resolve operational issues.Coordinate with maintenance providers to arrange servicing, repairs and defect rectification.Monitor vehicle availability and minimise unnecessary vehicle downtime.Maintain accurate operational and customer records.Administration, Finance & BookkeepingPrepare and process customer invoices.Follow up outstanding accounts and assist with accounts receivable.Assist with basic bookkeeping and financial administration.Enter and manage driver timesheets.Monitor job costs, revenue and profitability.Assist with preparing budgets and financial reports.Review operational and financial data to identify opportunities for improvement.Maintain accurate business records and documentation.Compliance & Continuous ImprovementMaintain accurate operational, customer and compliance records.Process vehicle defect reports and coordinate follow-up with maintenance providers.Support compliance with applicable Victorian bus safety, workplace health and safety and heavy vehicle requirements.Assist with the development and implementation of operational procedures.Identify inefficiencies and recommend practical improvements.Monitor operational performance and key performance indicators.Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability and customer service.About YouWe are looking for someone who is commercially minded, organised and confident dealing with customers, drivers, suppliers and management.You will ideally have:Proven experience in business development, sales, operations, transport/logistics or a similar management role.A demonstrated ability to generate new business and build strong client relationships.Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Experience preparing quotations, proposals and managing customer accounts.Good understanding of budgets, pricing and basic financial management.Basic bookkeeping and invoicing knowledge.Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.Experience using business, booking, rostering or accounting software is advantageous.Experience developing processes, systems and performance measures is highly regarded.Knowledge of the Victorian passenger transport industry and relevant compliance requirements is highly regarded.A current Victorian driver's licence.A Heavy Vehicle MR or HR licence is highly regarded.The ability and willingness to occasionally drive a bus or coach when operationally required.Key Personal AttributesThe successful candidate will be:Proactive and commercially focused.Confident dealing with customers and negotiating business.Practical and solutions-oriented.Comfortable working independently and taking ownership.Reliable and accountable.Calm under pressure.Highly organised and able to prioritise competing demands.Professional in communication and presentation.Comfortable working in a small-business environment where no two days are necessarily the same.Motivated by achieving measurable results and contributing to business growth.What We OfferCompetitive salary package based on experience and capability.Full-time, on-site position in Ferntree Gully, VIC.Direct working relationship with the Director.High level of responsibility and autonomy.The opportunity to make a genuine impact on the growth and performance of the business.A varied role combining business development, operations, administration and management.Opportunities for professional growth and career development.A long-term opportunity with a stable and growing local business.Why Join Quest Coaches?This is more than a traditional office-based management position.You will be directly involved in growing the business, winning new clients, managing operations and improving the way Quest Coaches operates.For the right person, this role offers a high level of ownership, direct access to the Director and the opportunity to play an important role in shaping the future growth of the company.If you are commercially driven, highly organised and enjoy taking responsibility for getting things done, we would like to hear from you.