Transport Commissioner

Shared Services Partnership; Winchester; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Assured EAP

LGPS

Generous annual leave

Sick pay / Local Government Pension

Job summary

Hampshire County Council in Winchester is seeking a Transport Commissioner to oversee commissioning of school transport for mainstream, SEND, post-16 and social care needs. The role requires managing a large workload, negotiating with operators and ensuring value for money and safety.

You will design routes using planning tools, resolve complex issues, and maintain accurate records while upholding safeguarding responsibilities in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage complex workloads in fast-paced environments.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills to identify cost-effective transport solutions.
• Experience handling complex enquiries and maintaining records.
• Proficient use of IT systems to support decision-making and data reporting.
• Good understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and policy adherence.

Responsibilities

• Commission and procure school transport for mainstream, SEND, post-16 and social care children.
• Negotiate with operators and manage capacity to meet children’s needs.
• Design and maintain routes using route planning tools and data reporting information.
• Resolve operational issues and ensure safe delivery of transport services.
• Handle customer enquiries and complaints with excellent service.
• Build relationships with families, schools and operators across the service.
• Provide escalation support and timely advisory for operational queries.
• Maintain records and uphold safeguarding compliance.

Skills

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Customer service

IT systems/data

Policy interpretation

Communication & collaboration

Safeguarding awareness

Job description

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Job Reference: HCC625087

Salary Range: £34,273 - £37,570 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 23 October 2026

Interview Date: w/c 2 November 2026

The Role:

Joining our School Transport Service as a Transport Commissioner, you’ll help ensure that eligible students access suitable school transport efficiently and safely for Mainstream, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Post-16 years, Education Inclusion Service and Social Care settings.

In this fast-paced and demanding role you will manage a large and varied workload and identify practical solutions to complex transport challenges while ensuring value for money and delivering excellent outcomes for children and families.

What you’ll do:

• Commission school transport for mainstream, SEND, post-16 and social care children, identifying the most appropriate and cost-effective transport solutions.
• Procure and allocate transport provision, negotiate with operators, and manage capacity to ensure services meet children's needs.
• Use route planning technology to design, optimise and maintain transport routes, data and reporting information.
• Resolve complex operational issues and make informed decisions to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of transport services.
• Investigate and manage customer enquiries and complaints, delivering excellent customer service and positive outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with families, schools, transport operators and colleagues across the service.
• Act as an escalation point for operational queries, providing advice, guidance and timely solutions.
• Maintain accurate records, follow standard operating procedures, and uphold safeguarding responsibilities at all times.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience of managing complex workloads and competing priorities, making sound decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong negotiation, problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify practical and cost-effective solutions.
• Experience of working with customers and stakeholders, handling complex enquiries, resolving complaints and building positive relationships.
• Confidence using IT systems and data to support decision-making, with experience of maintaining accurate records and managing information.
• Ability to interpret policies, exercise judgement and take ownership of decisions while balancing customer needs, service delivery and value for money.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with families, schools, transport providers and colleagues at all levels.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, with the confidence to follow policies and procedures, recognise concerns, take appropriate action and uphold professional standards at all times.

• Work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment within a team that makes a real impact on children’s access to education.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A supportive team culture that values collaboration and innovation.
• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• A competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here .

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.

Other roles you may have experience of may include: Transport Planning Officer, Transport Programme Planner, Transport Compliance Officer, Transport Policy Officer, Associate Transport Commissioner, Transport Strategy Coordinator, Transport Operations Manager

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.