Qualified Bus Driver – Orkney with £2000 joining bonus. Stagecoach

The Highland Times; Kirkwall; Hybrid; Full time

Job summary

A leading public transport operator is seeking Qualified Bus Drivers to join their team in Kirkwall. This permanent role offers a competitive pay of £14.60 per hour, excellent benefits, and a £2,000 joining bonus for PCV licence holders. You will deliver safe journeys while providing excellent customer service. The position includes flexible shifts and opportunities for career progression within the company.

Benefits

29 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Free travel for you and a companion

Access to retail discounts

24-hour Employee Assistance Programme

Ongoing CPC training

Qualifications

• Applicants must be aged 18 or over and hold a valid PCV licence.
• Must have the right to work in the UK.
• Experience is valued and supported through ongoing training.

Responsibilities

• Operate the modern fleet of buses safely and reliably.
• Provide a friendly presence for passengers.
• Work flexible shift patterns across any five days out of seven.

Skills

Patient, safety-focused approach to driving

Positive attitude

Commitment to delivering excellent customer service

Job description

Stagecoach is recruiting Qualified Bus Drivers to join its team in Kirkwall, offering a permanent role with strong pay, excellent benefits, and a £2,000 joining bonus for PCV licence holders.

Based at the Stagecoach Orkney depot on Scott’s Road, this role offers the chance to build a long term career with one of the UK’s leading public transport operators while playing a vital role in connecting communities across Orkney.

The role

As a Qualified Bus Driver, you will operate Stagecoach’s modern fleet, delivering safe, smooth, and reliable journeys for passengers of all ages.

You will be a visible and friendly presence in the community, offering a warm welcome, answering questions, and ensuring customers feel safe, respected, and supported on every journey.

You will work flexible shift patterns across any five days out of seven, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, reflecting the essential nature of public transport services.

The Kirkwall depot

The Kirkwall depot operates a fleet of new buses serving communities across Orkney and is supported by a team of around 50 drivers.

You will join a supportive and inclusive working environment where colleagues look out for one another and managers are committed to creating a positive place to work.

What we are looking for

• Applicants must be aged 18 or over, hold a valid PCV licence, and have the right to work in the UK.
• Patient, safety‑focused approach to driving.
• Positive attitude and genuine commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
• Experience is valued and supported through ongoing training.

Pay and benefits

Pay is £14.60 per hour, with overtime paid at £16.50 per hour for hours worked over 42.

Typical annual earnings are around £31,400 based on a 43 hour working week.

Benefits include 29 days annual leave, a pension scheme, free travel for you and a companion, access to a wide range of retail discounts, and a 24 hour Employee Assistance Programme supporting health and wellbeing.

Stagecoach also offers clear progression opportunities into roles such as Inspector, Controller, Instructor, and wider leadership or cross‑functional positions across the UK. Ongoing CPC training is provided, with renewal costs covered.

Joining bonus

A £2,000 joining bonus is available for PCV licence holders, paid in stages as follows:

• £500 after completion of 1 month’s service
• £500 after completion of 3 months’ service
• £500 after completion of 6 months’ service
• £500 after completion of 9 months’ service

How to apply

This role is being recruited directly by Stagecoach.

Apply online via the official Stagecoach careers portal.

The application process is quick, taking around three to four minutes, followed by an interview assessing experience and behaviours.