Principal Contracts and Compliance Officer

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Worcester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great Holiday Entitlement

Brilliant Pension Scheme

Professional Learning & Development

Flexible Working

Job summary

Worcestershire County Council is seeking a Principal Contracts and Compliance Officer to lead the Contracts and Compliance Team and oversee the Passenger Transport Operator Framework in Worcester. The role focuses on safety, safeguarding and regulatory compliance across a portfolio of services, driving continuous service improvement and value for residents.

You will work with operators, commissioners and regulators, shaping the transport market and delivering innovative solutions while managing

Qualifications

• Experience managing contracts, compliance activities and service performance in transport/public sector or regulated settings.
• Strong knowledge of passenger transport legislation, safeguarding and regulatory compliance.
• Experience of commissioning, procurement and contract management processes.
• Excellent leadership to develop high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Transport Contracts and Compliance Team with motivation and professional development.
• Manage and develop the Passenger Transport Operator Framework ensuring compliance.
• Lead the Passenger Transport Commissioning Programme to meet future demand.
• Oversee contract monitoring, performance management and quality assurance.
• Ensure safeguarding, risk assessment and compliance are embedded in service delivery.
• Develop partnerships with operators, authorities and industry bodies.
• Support a resilient, value-for-money transport market and reporting requirements.

Skills

Contract management

Compliance management

Transport operations

Leadership

Budget monitoring

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Job Title: Principal Contracts and Compliance Officer
Salary: £41,861 - £45,089 per annum
35 Hours per Week
Location: Warndon Depot, Pershore Lane, Worcester, WR4 0AA
Team: Contract Operations
Permanent / Fixed Term Contract

Shape the Future of Passenger Transport in Worcestershire

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Transport Contracts & Compliance Manager to lead the delivery, development and compliance of Worcestershire County Council's passenger transport services.

This is a key leadership role responsible for managing the Contracts and Compliance Team, overseeing the Passenger Transport Operator Framework, driving commissioning activities, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, safeguarding and regulatory compliance. Working across a diverse portfolio of transport services, you will help ensure residents have access to safe, reliable and value-for-money transport provision.

You will work closely with operators, partners, commissioners, regulatory bodies and colleagues across the Council to develop innovative solutions, strengthen the transport market and deliver continuous service improvement.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Transport Contracts and Operations you will:

• Lead and develop the Transport Contracts and Compliance Team, providing effective management, motivation and professional development.
• Manage and develop the Passenger Transport Operator Framework, ensuring compliance with legislation, contractual obligations and Council policies.
• Lead the planning and delivery of the Passenger Transport Commissioning Programme, anticipating future demand and responding to market developments.
• Oversee contract monitoring, performance management and quality assurance arrangements across Passenger Transport services.
• Ensure robust safeguarding, risk assessment and compliance processes are embedded throughout service delivery.
• Manage training programmes delivered through Fleet Training Officers to support safe and compliant transport operations.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with transport operators, local authorities, public sector organisations and industry bodies.
• Support the development of a resilient and competitive transport market that delivers best value for residents and service users.
• Manage budgets, financial performance and reporting requirements, including transparency and regulatory obligations.
• Contribute to emergency planning and service continuity arrangements, supporting responses to severe weather, major incidents and other disruptions.
• Deputise for the Head of Service as required, providing leadership across the wider department.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a confident leader with significant experience in transport operations, commissioning, contracts or compliance management.

You will have:

• Experience managing contracts, compliance activities and service performance within a transport, public sector or regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of passenger transport legislation, safeguarding requirements and regulatory compliance.
• Experience of commissioning, procurement and contract management processes.
• Excellent leadership skills with a proven ability to develop high-performing teams.
• Strong financial management and budget monitoring experience.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience building effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a complex and changing environment.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and delivering excellent customer-focused services.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of passenger transport across Worcestershire. You will work within a collaborative environment where innovation, partnership working and service excellence are valued, whilst making a tangible difference to the communities we serve.

Benefits:

You’ll find an overview of the benefits Worcestershire County Council have to offer on our webpage

Some of these offers include:

• Great Holiday Entitlement:As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part-time staff). This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, don't worry because if you join us without a break, we'll match your holiday up to 31 days. If you’re successful and want to take advantage of this do let us know!
• Brilliant Pension Scheme:The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.
• Professional Learning & Development:We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.
• Flexible Working:We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible.

Equality & Diversity:

The County Council iscommittedto equality of opportunity for all citizens and celebrates the diversity of all its residents.

Application Closing Date: 11th October 2026

Anticipated Interview Date: W/C 19th October 2026

Attached documents

JDPS Contracts and Compliance Manager FINAL PS Jul 2025.docx