Operational Manager - Travel - MID07247

Midlothian Council; Bonnyrigg; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Bonnyrigg seeks an Operational Manager - Travel to lead a team delivering essential transport services. The ideal candidate must have a degree or equivalent HND with significant experience in management and transport planning. Responsibilities include managing home to school transport and adherence to service integration. Ideal for adaptable individuals ready to navigate a dynamic work environment. The role offers a salary starting at £48,370.86 per annum, along with access to various benefits and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Salary sacrifice cars

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or HND level with significant relevant experience.
• Experience in staff management and project management.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team delivering travel services across Midlothian.
• Manage home to school transport and integration with service providers.
• Adapt to a dynamic and changing work environment.

Skills

Transport planning knowledge

Procurement knowledge

Scheduling experience

Staff management

IT systems proficiency

Education

Degree in relevant subject or HND with experience

Chartered Membership (desirable)

Post-graduate management qualification (desirable)

Job description

Job Vacancy

Midlothian Council invite applications for the role of Operational Manager - Travel to lead a team in a fast past environment delivering travel services across Midlothian. Work streams will include (but not limited to) Home to school transport, ASN transport and integration with both 3rd sector and public bus operators.

Candidates should have a good working knowledge of transport planning, procurement and scheduling to which a CPC - Passenger Transport would be advantageous (but not essential).

The successful candidate will join a fast paced, dynamic team who regularly deal with change - so adaptability is essential.

The role will attract access to Midlothian Council's generous pension scheme, salary sacrifice cars and other benefits.

KNOWLEDGE :

Essential

• Educated to a degree level in a subject appropriate to their area of responsibility; or in lieu of a degree or professional qualification, be educated to HND level (or equivalent) and can demonstrate significant relevant experience in a local authority of comparable size and complexity.
• Experience of staff management, IT systems used in an office environment, project management and financial responsibility.
• Clear evidence of commitment to continuing professional development.

Desirable

• Chartered Membership or equivalent in a subject appropriate to their area of responsibility.
• A post‑graduate management qualification in a relevant professional discipline or completion of a recognised management development or leadership programme would be desirable.
• A driving licence would be advantageous.

CLOSING DATE - Wednesday 14th January 2026

INTERVIEW DATE - week beginning 26th January 2026

Job Advert

Position Title: Operational Manager - Travel

Directorate: Place

Working from Home: No

Location: Bonnyrigg Depot

Contract Status: Permanent

Hours of Work: 36 hours

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00

Weeks per year: 52

Based on 36 hours over 52 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £48,370.86 per annum.

Compliance with the mandatory Cabinet Office PSN (Public Sector Network) Code of Connection requires the Council to meet a baseline personal security standard. This requires completion of a disclosure check for all employees who can access official information. The fee for this PSN Disclosure check will be met by you.

Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.

Additional Information

If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email [e-mail] to contact a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.

Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.

If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.