1 year contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • 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. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • 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. Skills/Experience: • 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. Additional Information: • 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.