Senior Transport Officer

Company Description We are a well-established Home-to-School transport firm, providing safe, reliable transport for passengers with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We are committed to high standards of safeguarding, compliance and excellent customer service.

Role Description We are seeking an experienced Senior Transport Officer to lead the day-to-day delivery of our Home-to-School transport services. You will manage route planning, staff and contractor performance, compliance and continuous improvement, so that every pupil gets a safe, punctual and cost-effective journey.

This is not a regular 9 to 5 desk job.

Home-to-School transport moves fast. A staff member calls in sick. A pupil has a difficult morning. A road closes. A vehicle breaks down. Situations change by the minute, and every decision affects a child’s day.

We need someone who thrives in that. Someone who:

• Takes ownership and makes the call, without waiting to be told.
• Stays calm and clear-headed when things go wrong.
• Spots problems early and fixes them before they grow.
• Has real, hands-on experience in Home-to-School operations.
• Knows how to handle people: worried parents, frustrated schools, drivers under pressure, and children who need patience and care.

If you have done this work and understand the pace, we want to hear from you. If you prefer a quiet, predictable routine, this role is not for you.

Location This role is based at our office in Redhill (RH1 2NL). You must already live within 15 to 20 miles of the office. The job often needs you on site at short notice, so a short commute matters.

We are unable to consider applications which require relocation support or applications from candidates living outside the UK. You must have the right to work in the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, review and optimise pupil routes and vehicle schedules to meet demand and service levels.
• Manage relationships with schools and Local Authorities, monitor performance and enforce contract standards.
• Ensure all transport activity complies with statutory guidance, health and safety, safeguarding and SEND requirements.
• Coordinate passenger risk assessments, behaviour support plans and escort arrangements.
• Report and investigate incidents, complaints and delays. Put corrective actions in place and keep accurate records.
• Advise and liaise with schools, parents/carers, social care and other stakeholders.
• Mentor and supervise junior transport staff and arrange cover for absences, often at short notice.

Essential

• Proven, hands-on experience in Home-to-School or SEND passenger transport operations.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, SEND transport needs and relevant statutory guidance.
• Confident making quick decisions under pressure and owning the outcome.
• Experience handling difficult conversations and challenging situations with parents, schools, staff and pupils.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving and staff/contractor management skills.
• Competent with routing/planning software, MS Office (especially Excel) and transport management systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication.

What we offer

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience).
• Pension, paid leave and training opportunities.
• A supportive team focused on safety and inclusion.
• The chance to make a direct impact on children’s journeys and wellbeing.

How to apply Send your CV and a short covering letter explaining your suitability to ali@courtesycarsredhill.co.uk, quoting “Senior Transport Officer” in the subject line.

Application deadline: 30/11/2026. Shortlisting begins as applications arrive, so apply early.

Pay: £32,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension

Application question(s):

• Are you able to commute to our base location and do you live within a 15-mile radius? Please note that we are not considering relocation candidates or applicants based abroad.

Experience:

• Home to School Operations: 5 years (required)

Location:

• Redhill, Surrey (preferred)

Work Location: In person