Transport Contracts Manager

JR United Kingdom; Coventry; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the Midlands seeks an interim strategic and operational leader for transport services to oversee a high-impact operation supporting vulnerable residents. The role involves managing large-scale operations, budget oversight, and leading a contracts team while engaging effectively with key stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing large-scale transport operations, ideally in public sector.
• Strong background in contract management and budget oversight.
• Excellent communication skills influencing senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead a contracts team delivering over 8,500 daily journeys.
• Manage a transport budget of approximately £30 million.
• Drive continuous improvement through data-led performance management.

Skills

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.