• The Transport Officer – Operations is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and management of passenger transport services for both Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Adult Social Care (ASC) clients.

• This includes overseeing internal transport staff, managing resources efficiently, ensuring high standards of safety and customer care, and monitoring the performance of both in-house services and external contractors.

• The role plays a key part in ensuring that transport provision supports individuals' independence, dignity, and wellbeing, and meets both statutory requirements and service standards.

• Manage and allocate transport staff and vehicles to ensure the efficient delivery of SEN and ASC transport services.

• Oversee the daily operation of internal passenger assistants and the courier service, managing planned and unplanned staff absences.

• Act as the principal operations officer for both in-house and contracted transport services.

• Monitor service delivery against contract specifications and address breaches where necessary.

• Liaise with parents, carers, service users, education and social care professionals regarding transport needs and service delivery.

• Ensure that all transport services comply with statutory regulations, contractual obligations, and organisational policies.

• Manage the process of tendering and awarding contracts for external transport provision.

• Maintain accurate records of training, ID badges, and performance for all transport staff.

• Support service users to travel independently where possible and refer eligible individuals to Independent Travel Training.

• Deputise for the Transport Team Manager as required.

• Experience working with vulnerable children or adults and understanding their transport needs.

• Proven track record of commissioning or managing transport services in a public or care-related setting.

• Strong people management skills, including staff allocation and performance oversight.

• Excellent organisational abilities and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to monitor service contracts and take appropriate enforcement action.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage sensitive enquiries.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.

• Sound understanding of safeguarding principles for children and vulnerable adults.

• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing service demands.

• Experience in local authority passenger transport operations.

• Qualification in transport, education, or social care.

• Knowledge of EU and UK procurement legislation.

• Familiarity with personal budget principles and the social care framework.

• The successful candidate will alternate between two shift patterns, 06:30–14:30 and 09:30–17:30, Monday to Friday. Occasionally, split shifts may be required to meet service needs.

• UK driving licence and/or Category D entitlement.

• An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role.