Head of Service - Passenger Transport

BCP Council; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive local authority in Bournemouth is seeking a Head of Passenger Transport. In this critical role, you will lead an integrated service to deliver safe and efficient transport solutions while supporting vulnerable communities. The ideal candidate has significant experience in strategic and operational management of transport services and is a confident leader. This opportunity not only enhances professional growth but also fosters community well-being through innovative transport solutions.

Benefits

Enhanced benefits package

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Significant experience in both strategic and operational management of passenger transport services.
• Proven leadership of high‑profile, innovative projects or policy development.
• Experience managing education and social care transport.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Passenger Transport service.
• Contribute to the strategic development of policies and service improvement initiatives.
• Oversee community transport services and in-house bus fleet management.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Operational management

Communication

Relationship building

Education

Degree in Transport, Logistics or related discipline

Professional qualification in Passenger Transport Management

Job description

The pay range for this role will be £60,357 - £67,381 (pro rata for part time colleagues).

We’re looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward‑thinking team.

You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site on, 'More than just a job' brochure.

Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole is a place where people and nature, coast and towns come together to offer a wealth of potential. At BCP Council, we want to realise these possibilities. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Passenger Transport professional to join a progressive large unitary authority.

As Head of Passenger Transport, you will play a vital role in improving the quality of life for the people of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Leading an integrated passenger transport service, you will ensure the delivery of safe, efficient and cost‑effective transport services across the conurbation, working in partnership with internal teams, external organisations‑and service users.

This is a leadership role with strategic and operational responsibility for passenger transport services supporting home to school transport, children’s and adult social care, and community transport delivered within council policies, legislative requirements and best practice.

This is an exciting opportunity to be in an integral part in making a difference. You would be joining us at a key time to play an important leadership role in supporting a major review and transformation of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Home to School Transport, aiming for more personalised, independent travel options, improved efficiency, and better long‑term outcomes for young people, with changes including new commissioning models, route simplification, and potential group travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the Passenger Transport service, ensuring all planning, procurement and delivery of transport services meet statutory, national and local requirements.
• Contribute to the strategic development of policy, plans and service improvement initiatives within the service area.
• Represent the Council professionally, safeguarding its reputation and promoting a positive image of passenger transport services.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships internally and with external partners and stakeholders.
• Oversee the delivery of education and social care transport, ensuring services meet agreed Service Level Agreements and make best use of the in‑house bus fleet.
• Act as Transport Manager for the in‑house bus fleet, meeting professional competence and commercial operational requirements.
• Oversee community transport services, including management of Service Level Agreements and grant funding.
• Contribute to the wider leadership of the service as a member of the Service Management Team.

Essential Qualifications And Experience

• Degree in Transport, Logistics or a related discipline, with a relevant professional qualification, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Professional competence qualification in Passenger Transport Management, or substantial equivalent experience.
• Membership of a recognised professional body (e.g. CILT or CIHT).
• Significant experience in both strategic and operational management of passenger transport services.
• Proven leadership of high‑profile, innovative projects or policy development, with reputational and organisational impact.

Personal qualities

• Resilient and adaptable, with strong emotional intelligence.
• High attention to detail and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Confident leader with excellent communication and relationship building‑skills.

Additional Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check.
• Ability to travel using public transport where viable, or possession of a full UK driving licence with access to a car.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a committed leadership team, shaping the future for passenger transport services that directly affect residents’ lives and support vulnerable communities. This is an opportunity to lead change, influence policy and deliver high‑quality public services.

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world‑renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world‑class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits

A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council

At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.

Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page).

Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you

More About us | Working for BCP

DBS

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check. Please refer to the Job Description or Role Profile for more details.