Job Description:

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.