The Women in Bus and Coach “Spotlight On” initiative shines a light on the incredible contributions of women in all roles across the bus, coach, and community transport sector. From professional drivers and engineers to human resources professionals and CEO’s, ‘Spotlight On’ will highlight the diverse talents and achievements of women in this dynamic industry.
Today we focus on and find out about:
Jenny Holder
Assistant Operations Manager
Stagecoach London
What is your role?
My role is Assistant Operations Manager (AOM) for Stagecoach London (Selkent), based at the Catford and Kangley Bridge garage.
How did you get to where you are today?
I started with the company on 17th August 2015 – I decided at the time after working in retail since the age of 16 I was retailed out and needed a new challenge. My autistic son had just started secondary school, which was opposite our home, I came across an advert for Stagecoach looking for part time bus drivers on a Friday and Saturday nights. This schedule would fit nicely around school and ensuring Harry (my son) was coping well, I passed my bus exam which shocked me. I already knew a few other routes within Catford Bus Garage from living in the local area most of my life, after week one my 2 nights a week turned into 5 nights a week, I didn’t know anyone at the garage and stayed close to the garage supervisors who supported me so much and quickly learnt basic tasks such as log and duty card orders, 5.5 hours checker and Booking in lost property – I would look forward to my break times and even start earlier to help out and assist to grow my own confidence in how a bus garage operates. I applied for GS (Garage Supervisor) role and AGS (Assistant Garage Supervisor) role to be knocked back 5 times, each time I would be dishearten but never discourage. My colleague Bunmi Sutton gave me the best opportunity to become an AGS, I was an AGS for 2 years, Then a GS for 2 years – Bunmi then gave me the most amazing opportunity to step in the AOM role – When the position became available, I applied and well the rest is history.
Did you experience any challenges getting to where you are today?
Constantly being knocked back due to my lack of experience within the sector – I became self-driven to improve my knowledge and skill base by spending time with experienced people to help grow and develop.
If so, how did you overcome then?
Not to be beaten, I spoke with various colleagues to help me grow and I still do.
I spent hours with the garage supervisor, and countless hours in Ibus with Mark Green gaining a truly wealth of knowledge around how QSI (Quality of service indicators) and service performance effects – I am always asking questions, as question show answers, and answer grows my knowledge.
What do you like about the sector?
I love that every day is so different – I still take great pride in driving for my garage when the going gets tough …… Jenny gets going on a service bus being proud to serve.
What does a typical day look like?
No two days are the same – some days its back-to-back GDES (Garage Disciplinary Enquiries), Other days I could be supporting my colleagues by helping to cover duties or driving a bus- I am also a mental health first aider – a mum to a challenging teenager now – I always make time to wonder into the output area to chat and speak to drivers away from my office, for some drivers this puts them more at ease.
What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in the bus and coach sector?
Go for it!!! I love my career; I am very passionate about my own progress- development and growth – I have not stop following my dreams in fact since being at Stagecoach, they only begun on the 17th August 2015.
What has been your bus or coach sector career highlight?
Being able to set a goal and follow my dreams – when I finally became an AGS was such a confidence that made me believe in myself.
What three things could the Bus and Coach sector do to improvement the industry for Women?
Show women that progress is always an option … believe in yourself. Progress comes in lots of forms from being a route champion – mentor. – Heading up a women’s group with their own garage creating social events. Always being proud to serve
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Operations Manager of my own garage.
Thank you for sharing your story Jenny, you are truly an inspiration!
To find out more about the company Jenny works for visit and career opportunities visit: Stagecoach in London (stagecoachbus.com)
