Transport Contracts Manager

JR United Kingdom; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the Midlands seeks an interim strategic and operational leader for transport services for 6 months. The role involves managing a £30 million budget for transport operations supporting vulnerable residents, overseeing procurement, and driving service transformation. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in the public sector with strong contract management and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing large-scale transport operations in the public sector.
• Strong background in budget oversight and service transformation.
• Excellent communication skills with senior and political levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead 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

Contract management

Procurement

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

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.