Interim Director of Transport Services
Duration: 6 months
Day Rate: Negotiable, depending on experience (Inside IR35)
Working Arrangement: Hybrid Working - 3 days per week onsite
Our client is seeking an experienced Interim Director of Transport Services to provide operational leadership across all transport service functions.
The interim will take full ownership of day-to-day operational delivery, workforce leadership, service performance, and stakeholder management across a diverse portfolio of public-facing transport services. This is a high-impact role suited to a confident leader who can stabilise, drive performance, and maintain service continuity in a complex environment.
Key Responsibilities
*Provide strategic and operational oversight for all transport service functions, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality service delivery
*Lead a department of staff, with senior direct reports covering public transport, bus operations, customer-facing services, and contract management
*Maintain continuity and resilience across all operational services during a period of transition and organisational pressure
*Oversee the planning, performance, and coordination of bus services, operators, and network management functions
*Ensure strong working relationships with transport operators, external suppliers, and regional partners
*Monitor service quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, ensuring swift response to operational issues
*Ensure effective management of all front-line customer interactions, including information provision, accessibility, complaints handling, and customer care standards
*Champion a customer-first culture across all operational teams
*Oversee major contracts across transport operations, ensuring commercial performance, compliance, risk management, and value for money
*Provide high-level leadership in negotiations, contract reviews, and supplier performance improvement
*Monitor and report on KPIs, operational risks, financial performance, and service outcomes
*Ensure compliance with statutory duties, safety requirements, and regulatory frameworks
*Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and operational effectiveness
*Provide visible, supportive leadership across the department during a period of change
*Mentor senior managers and ensure clarity of roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations
*Maintain strong morale, clear communication, and stability across operational teams
Essential Experience
*Senior-level experience in transport operations within a large public-sector transport organisation
*Proven track record of leading large-scale operational services
*Experience managing bus networks, public transport services, and operator relationships
*Strong commercial understanding of transport contracts and procurement environments
*Demonstrable success in stabilising services, improving performance, and managing operational risk