Transport Contracts Manager

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

Job summary

A local authority in the Midlands seeks an interim strategic and operational leader for its transport services for a 6-month term. The role centers on managing a substantial transport operation, overseeing a £30 million budget, and ensuring compliance and efficiency in delivering services to vulnerable residents. Ideal candidates will possess extensive experience in transport management, strong communication skills, and the ability to influence at senior levels.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing large-scale transport or logistics operations, ideally within the public sector.
• Strong background in contract management and budget oversight.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a contracts team delivering over 8,500 daily journeys.
• Manage a transport budget of approximately £30 million.
• Oversee procurement and contract performance.

Skills

Contract management

Procurement

Budget oversight

Stakeholder engagement

Performance management

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.