Transport Manager

Transport Manager

Moon Hall School, Reigate

Responsible to: Chief Operating Officer

Contract: Full-Time, Full Year (52 Weeks per Year)

Salary: £30,000 - £34,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Job Purpose

The Transport Manager is responsible for the strategic and operational management of Moon Hall School's transport provision, ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant transportation of pupils across all school routes.

The postholder will lead the day-to-day operation of the School's transport service, including route planning, fleet utilisation, transport systems management, compliance monitoring and parent communications. They will directly line manage the School’s team of employed minibus drivers and oversee relationships with external transport providers, ensuring high standards of service, safety and customer care.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Transport Manager will contribute to the School's wider operational objectives, supporting pupil attendance, safeguarding and wellbeing, whilst continually reviewing and developing transport services to meet the evolving needs of the School and its families.

Key Responsibilities

Transport Operations

• Lead the day-to-day management of all school transport services.
• Plan, review and optimise transport routes to ensure efficiency, sustainability and value for money.
• Coordinate transport arrangements for new pupils, route changes and service developments.
• Respond effectively to operational issues including delays, breakdowns, adverse weather conditions and staff absence.
• Develop and implement transport strategies that support the School's operational objectives and future growth.
• Regularly review transport provision and make recommendations to improve efficiency, service quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure transport provision supports the school's operational and strategic needs.

Transport Systems and Technology

• Take ownership of the school's transport management platform and associated applications.
• Maintain accurate records of pupils, routes, stops, vehicles and drivers within the system.
• Monitor daily transport operations through the platform and ensure information is current and accurate.
• Produce reports and analyse transport data to support operational decision-making and future planning.
• Liaise with software providers when required and support staff and parents with transport-related system queries.
• Utilise transport technology to maximise route efficiency and service effectiveness.

Leadership and Management of Drivers

• Directly line manage all employed Moon Hall School drivers.
• Organise driver rotas, annual leave, absence cover and daily allocations.
• Conduct induction, supervision and performance management meetings.
• Ensure all drivers maintain appropriate licences, training and safeguarding clearances.
• Promote high standards of professionalism, customer service and pupil care.
• Identify training and development needs within the transport team.
• Lead, motivate and develop the School's team of minibus drivers.
• Conduct probation reviews, appraisals and performance management processes in accordance with School policies.
• Manage attendance, conduct and employee relations matters within the transport team.
• Ensure effective succession planning and workforce resilience within the transport function.

Contracted Transport Providers

• Act as the primary point of contact for all contracted transport operators.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with external providers.
• Coordinate route allocations, amendments and operational requirements with contracted companies.
• Monitor contractor performance, punctuality, safeguarding compliance and service quality.
• Address service concerns and implement improvements where required.
• Ensure all external providers understand and comply with the school's policies and expectations.

Safeguarding, Compliance and Health & Safety

• Ensure all transport operations meet statutory, safeguarding and health and safety requirements.
• Maintain oversight of vehicle servicing, inspections, MOTs and maintenance schedules.
• Ensure transport-related risk assessments are completed and regularly reviewed.
• Monitor DBS, licence and compliance records for relevant staff.
• Investigate incidents, accidents and complaints, implementing lessons learned where appropriate.
• Work closely with safeguarding and pastoral teams to support individual pupil needs.

Parent and Stakeholder Communication

• Act as the primary contact for transport-related enquiries from parents and carers.
• Communicate route information, service updates and transport changes clearly and professionally.
• Resolve concerns and complaints promptly and effectively.
• Work closely with Admissions and School Operations teams regarding transport arrangements for prospective and current families.
• Maintain positive relationships with families and external stakeholders.

Budget and Resource Management

• Prepare and effectively manage the annual transport budget.
• Monitor and report on transport expenditure and income.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
• Support procurement exercises and contract negotiations relating to transport services, vehicles and associated suppliers.

Strategic Leadership and Reporting

• Provide regular reports and management information to the Chief Operating Officer.
• Monitor key performance indicators relating to transport operations, safety, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Contribute to operational planning and school development initiatives.
• Lead transport-related projects and service improvements.
• Ensure transport services remain aligned with School policies, safeguarding requirements and strategic objectives.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience managing transport, fleet, logistics or other operational services.
• Experience of line managing, motivating and developing staff.
• Experience managing budgets and resources.
• Experience ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety, safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Experience using digital systems and data management platforms.
• Excellent organisational, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and health and safety requirements within a service environment.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience within an educational environment.
• Experience managing contracted service providers.
• Understanding of SEND transport requirements.
• Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) or equivalent transport-related qualification.
• First Aid qualification.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will:

• Be highly organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Be calm, resilient and solutions-focused when responding to operational challenges.
• Have the confidence to make decisions and manage operational challenges.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, parents, pupils, contractors and external agencies.
• Lead by example and promote high standards of professionalism, accountability and customer service.
• Show a genuine commitment to pupil safety, wellbeing and safeguarding.

Safeguarding Statement

Moon Hall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all other safer recruitment requirements.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £30,000.00-£34,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person