Senior Transport Officer

Senior Transport Officer

Purpose of the Role

To coordinate and manage home to school transport services, ensuring the local authority meets its statutory responsibilities while providing safe, effective, and cost-efficient transport solutions for children and young people, particularly those with SEND and vulnerable pupils.

Essential Knowledge

• Knowledge of the legislative requirements relating to home to school transport.
• Understanding of the needs of children and young people with SEND and vulnerable pupils, and how these impact transport provision.
• Knowledge of transport procurement, contract management, and risk assessment processes.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection policies, and best practice.
• Understanding of education transport planning and operational requirements.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experience of procuring and managing transport contracts and resolving complex operational issues.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence to liaise effectively with transport operators, schools, parents/carers, and partner agencies.
• Ability to work to deadlines and respond effectively to emergency situations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, mediation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to apply Council policies consistently, balancing policy requirements with individual circumstances.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

IT Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to use transport management and other bespoke software systems effectively.

Other Requirements

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Ability to make sound decisions, manage competing priorities, and maintain high levels of customer service.