Oxford Bus Group appointed Jake Edwards as its full-time recruitment partner during National Careers Week and is now looking to hire three new apprentice engineers.
The roles are based at its sites in Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham, and either Oxford or Didcot.
Mr Edwards will support operations across the group, which includes Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses, Pulhams Coaches, and Pearces Coaches.
He said: “I’m thrilled to be in this position at an exciting time of growth for the business.
“My focus is on recruitment across the group, paying particular attention to the many recruitment days which are held throughout the year.
“The aim is to introduce a clear strategy for these recruitment days, mapping out the whole recruitment journey and induction process for candidates.
“It’s very much an open-door policy.
“You can knock on anyone’s door and have those important conversations.
“Everyone is really friendly, from the management to the drivers, and I like the culture here.
“I have family members who depend on the bus, so I understand the importance of our services.
“It’s an interesting industry.
“It’s very complex, and with a lot of moving parts.”
With more than a decade of experience in recruitment, including five years in the NHS, Mr Edwards will oversee recruitment campaigns and introduce structured strategies for recruitment days, candidate journeys, and onboarding processes.
The company recently launched a VIP Bus Driver Academy at Carousel Buses to train new drivers.
Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Group, said: “We significantly grew our bus and coach network across the group last year and have strong plans to continue our growth trajectory this year.
“Recruiting great people therefore is a key part of our strategy and so we have appointed Jake to manage our recruitment strategy within our HR team.
“This will give us the resources we need to manage the process, ensure we recruit great people and onboard them well.
“The recruitment days last year were a great success and helped us attract a lot of drivers which reduced the need for agency support.
“Our refreshed approach will help take our recruitment to the next level.”
The company is currently recruiting for apprentice engineers and looking to fill roles in customer services, driving, tourism, and engineering.
The appointment of Mr Edwards demonstrates the continued expansion of Oxford Bus Group, with more than 300 new colleagues having joined the business in 2025.
Details about current job opportunities can be found at www.oxfordbus.co.uk/careers.
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