The Role The Operations Manager is responsible for the smooth, safe, and compliant delivery of all transport operations at OnRoute Transport Group. You will lead the driver team, oversee route management, ensure full regulatory compliance, and act as the key link between the business, its drivers, local authority partners, and the administrative function. This is a hands-on leadership role where operational excellence, attention to compliance detail, and a commitment to safeguarding are non-negotiable. Key Responsibilities Fleet & Driver Management • Oversee the day-to-day management of the vehicle fleet, ensuring all vehicles are roadworthy, licensed, insured, and maintained to the standards required by the company and Thurrock Borough Council • Manage the Driver Register and ensure all drivers hold valid, current PHV licences, DBS certificates, and medical clearance — acting on expiry alerts at least six weeks in advance • Allocate routes to drivers based on availability, location, vehicle type, and passenger requirements • Conduct or coordinate driver inductions, including SOP training, safeguarding awareness, and vehicle check procedures • Monitor driver performance and attendance, addressing issues promptly and professionally • Ensure all walkaround checks are completed and logged before every journey, and that defects are reported and rectified without delay Compliance & Regulatory Management • Ensure full compliance with all conditions of the OnRoute PHV Operator Licence issued by Thurrock Borough Council • Maintain all operational registers and logs in accordance with company SOP v1.0, including the Booking Log, Vehicle Fleet Register, Walkaround Check Log, Incident and Criminality Log, and Staff Register • Ensure DBS renewals are managed on the company's enhanced three-month cycle and escalate any concerns arising from criminal record disclosures • Ensure CCTV data is retained for the required period and that drivers are compliant with in-vehicle recording requirements • Act as the first point of contact for licensing authority inspections, audits, or queries • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of PHV operator licensing requirements and transport regulations relevant to the business Route & Service Delivery • Plan and manage route schedules to ensure all contracted journeys are covered reliably and on time • Act as the operational point of escalation when routes are disrupted, vehicles fail, or drivers are unavailable — sourcing cover and communicating changes promptly • Liaise directly with local authority transport coordinators and school contacts to manage service delivery expectations • Monitor on-time performance across all routes and implement improvements where standards fall below expectations • Manage any changes to local authority DPS contracts or route requirements and ensure drivers and admin staff are briefed accordingly Incident Management & Safeguarding • Act as the lead point of contact for any incident, accident, or safeguarding concern arising during transport operations • Ensure all incidents are reported within the 24-hour internal window and that relevant external notifications are made where required • Maintain the Incident and Criminality Log and ensure entries are complete, accurate, and followed up appropriately • Champion safeguarding throughout the business — ensuring all staff and drivers understand their obligations when transporting children and vulnerable adults • Cooperate fully with any statutory investigation or inquiry arising from an operational incident People & Team Leadership • Line manage the Administrative Officer and any other operational support staff • Build a positive, professional working culture within the driver team, promoting reliability, accountability, and pride in service quality • Support the recruitment and onboarding of new drivers, including coordinating licence sponsorship through the council • Conduct regular performance check-ins with drivers and escalate persistent issues to the Directors • Identify training needs and arrange relevant development activity for drivers and support staff What We Are Looking For • Proven experience in an operations management role, ideally within transport, logistics, or a regulated service environment • Strong understanding of PHV operator licensing requirements, or demonstrated ability to quickly acquire this knowledge • Experience managing a team of drivers or field-based staff • A compliance-first mindset — you understand why rules exist and hold yourself and others to them • Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple operational priorities simultaneously • Strong communicator — confident liaising with drivers, local authority partners, schools, and senior management • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, for managing registers and preparing reports • Safeguarding awareness and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of the children and vulnerable adults we serve • Calm under pressure — able to make sound decisions quickly when operations are disrupted • Full valid UK driving licence • The right to work in the United Kingdom Benefits • £15.00 per hour • Permanent, full-time employment with a growing operator • Generous annual leave entitlement • Pension scheme – auto-enrolment • Monthly pay • Hundreds of discounts from selected retailers across the country through our employee benefits programme • A key leadership role with genuine influence over how the business operates and grows • Supportive Directors with a clear vision for expansion