Full job descriptionSenior Transport Officer
Location: [Insert Location]
Salary: [Insert Salary]
Contract: [Temporary/Permanent]
Hours: Full Time
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Transport Officer to join our Transport Team, supporting the delivery of home-to-school transport services for children and young people, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and other vulnerable pupils.
This is a challenging and rewarding role requiring excellent communication, negotiation, and organisational skills. You will be responsible for procuring and managing transport contracts, responding to complex cases, and ensuring transport arrangements are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with statutory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
*Arrange and manage home-to-school transport services in accordance with statutory guidance and local authority policies.
*Procure transport solutions and manage contracts with transport operators.
*Assess transport requirements based on risk assessments and individual pupil needs.
*Work closely with schools, parents/carers, transport operators, and internal services to resolve issues and ensure continuity of service.
*Respond effectively to emergency situations and transport disruptions.
*Ensure compliance with safeguarding procedures and child protection best practice.
*Monitor service delivery and address contractual performance issues.
*Maintain accurate records using Microsoft Office applications and bespoke transport systems.
*Implement council policy consistently while considering individual circumstances.
*Negotiate, challenge, and mediate where necessary to achieve positive outcomes.
Essential Requirements
Knowledge & Experience
*Knowledge of the statutory and legislative requirements relating to Home to School Transport.
*Understanding of SEND and the wider support systems for vulnerable children and young people.
*Experience of procuring, managing, and monitoring transport contracts.
*Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection policies, and best practice.
*Understanding of transport planning and operational requirements within an educational setting.
Skills & Competencies
*Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
*Confidence handling telephone enquiries from parents/carers, schools, and transport operators.
*Strong negotiation, influencing, and problem-solving skills.
*Ability to work to tight deadlines and manage competing priorities.
*Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
*Experience working independently with minimal supervision while contributing effectively as part of a team.
*Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and database systems.
*Ability to apply policies consistently whilst maintaining a customer-focused approach.
*Ability to challenge, mediate, and resolve complex issues professionally.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate will have previous experience in transport coordination, logistics, local authority transport services, education transport, SEND services, or contract management. They will be highly organised, resilient under pressure, and passionate about ensuring children and young people can access education safely and effectively.
Apply today to play a key role in delivering essential transport services that support children, families, and schools across the community.