Transport Contracts Manager

JR United Kingdom; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the Midlands is looking for an interim strategic and operational leader to manage transport services for a 6-month period. This key role involves overseeing a substantial budget and leading a team to ensure safe, efficient transport operations for vulnerable residents, with a strong focus on partnership building and compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing large-scale transport operations within the public sector.
• Strong background in contract management and procurement.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement with political influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a contracts team for over 8,500 daily journeys.
• Manage a transport budget of approximately £30 million.
• Drive continuous improvement and oversee procurement.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Performance management

Communication skills

Education

Experience in managing transport or logistics operations

Job description

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Panoramic Associates are supporting a local authority in the Midlands to recruit an interim strategic and operational leader for their transport services for a 6 month period. This is a key role managing a large-scale, high-impact transport operation that supports vulnerable residents across education and social care.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead a contracts team delivering over 8,500 daily journeys for school children, SEN pupils, and adult social care clients
* Manage a transport budget of approximately £30 million, ensuring value for money, compliance, and accurate forecasting
* Oversee procurement, contract performance, and legal compliance across a complex network of commercial and voluntary transport providers
* Drive continuous improvement through data-led performance management, benchmarking, and service transformation
* Represent the service at senior leadership forums, deputising for the Head of Service and contributing to strategic planning
* Build strong partnerships with schools, care providers, operators, and internal stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient, and customer-focused delivery
Ideal Candidate Profile:
* Proven experience in managing large-scale transport or logistics operations, ideally within the public sector
* Strong background in contract management, procurement, and budget oversight
* Skilled in leading teams, driving performance, and delivering service transformation
* Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior and political levels
* Knowledge of relevant legislation including transport, education, and procurement law
Please apply or contact for an initial discussion.