Transport Operations Manager

Our public sector client is looking for a Transport Operations Manager to join them, initially until 31.03.25.

Based in Catmose.

Purpose of the Job:

To manage and lead the transport team with respect to preparing and delivering transport strategies and to provide strategic transport input to wider Council policies and strategies. To be responsible for the delivery and development of transport policies of the Council, both for public transport provision and managing the transport requirements of Children's Services and Adult Social Services, ensuring integrated management and provision of transport services. Identifying transport needs, managing contract performance, and managing across Council integrated budget. To deputise for the Head of Highways and Transportation, when necessary, both within the Council and in respect of external meetings. To provide strategic and operational leadership, to ensure an effective and sustainable network of public and passenger services across Rutland are provided.

Main responsibilities:

• To develop and determine transport policy for public transport provision and the requirements of children's services and adult social care pursuant to legislation and the Council's strategic aims and objectives.
• Lead in the strategic and operational management of the passenger transport service to meet agreed outcomes and targets in line with the 2024 Bus Service Improvement Plan and to deliver the Council's objectives contained in the 2024 Bus Network Review. Prepare annual delivery plans for all of the services.
• To monitor the operation and performance of the County's Demand Responsive Transport service and of identified local bus services on behalf of the Council.
• To lead on the preparation of the Local Transport Plan, implementation plans and other associated documents. In collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders from the private, public, voluntary and community sectors, develop and implement a transport strategy for the County to form an integrated part of the Local Transport Plan 4.
• To manage the performance of the Transport Group in delivering the Council's strategic aims and objectives and to lead the integrated management and provision of transport services, identifying service needs and controlling contract performance.
• To oversee the development and implementation of parking policy and regularly review the policy and enforcement practices in line with national direction on parking strategy and the Council's Local Transport and Business Plans.
• To lead on the development and implementation of the Council's electric vehicle strategy and ensure the delivery of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) electric charge point schemes.
• To be responsible for all staff management development, disciplinary and performance development reviews within the group.
• Responsible for the development and provision of a cost-effective, efficient and high-quality fleet transport service provision to the requirements of internal and external customers covering all appropriate aspects of fleet procurement, management and maintenance.
• Develop an effective capital programme of investment in public transport infrastructure to secure improvements in punctuality, passenger information and the quality of public transport infrastructure.
• Develop and implement plans to ensure that the provision of the County's fleet and transport services contribute fully to the authority's carbon reduction targets through use of alternative technologies and innovative service provision, and that economic growth does not result in an increase in the carbon footprint.
• To develop, plan and submit transport-related funding bids to the Government and other regional bodies and liaise with partnership bodies.
• To directly line manage the Commissioned Transport Officer, Parking Services Manager, Transport Strategy Manager, Transport Officers and Fleet Manager and oversee the management of the team of drivers and passenger assistants.
• To provide information and data required by internal audit as necessary.
• To act as the responsible budget holder for all the transport budgets ensuring that the costs are effectively managed bringing any major issues to the Strategic Director's attention for resolution.
• To manage the Council's English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS).
• To lead on the commissioning and operational transport requirements for Children's Services and Adult Social Services care in relation to transport. Advise the departments on technical matters and act as their transport lead on policy matters.
• To lead and be the responsible officer for the management of all Council fleet vehicles specifically the operation and monitoring of the Car club pool car schemes.
• To have a thorough knowledge of the existing transport legislation and to advise the Council of changes to legislation by the provision of written reports when required (which may include presentation at Cabinet or Scrutiny Panel).
• Prepare Cabinet and Scrutiny reports and attend meetings as required to present the reports. Attend meetings with the public, Parish Councils, Parish Meetings and others of a similar nature as may be required in connection with transport issues.
• Monitor the delivery and expenditure of the Integrated Capital Works Programme and major transport projects specific to transport.
• To resolve complaints and enquiries with respect to the transport group.
• To direct, programme, progress and keep proper data, financial, contract management and administrative control of all transport activities undertaken by contractors and others on behalf of the Council.

Previous experience in a similar role is essential.