Transport Contracts Manager

JR United Kingdom; Woking; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the Midlands is seeking an interim strategic and operational leader for their transport services to manage a large-scale operation supporting vulnerable residents. This 6-month role requires expertise in transport management and effective stakeholder engagement to ensure smooth delivery of services.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Contract management

Performance management

Procurement

Communication

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:

1. Lead a contracts team delivering over 8,500 daily journeys for school children, SEN pupils, and adult social care clients
2. Manage a transport budget of approximately £30 million, ensuring value for money, compliance, and accurate forecasting
3. Oversee procurement, contract performance, and legal compliance across a complex network of commercial and voluntary transport providers
4. Drive continuous improvement through data-led performance management, benchmarking, and service transformation
5. Represent the service at senior leadership forums, deputising for the Head of Service and contributing to strategic planning
6. Build strong partnerships with schools, care providers, operators, and internal stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient, and customer-focused delivery

Ideal Candidate Profile:

1. Proven experience in managing large-scale transport or logistics operations, ideally within the public sector
2. Strong background in contract management, procurement, and budget oversight
3. Skilled in leading teams, driving performance, and delivering service transformation
4. Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior and political levels
5. Knowledge of relevant legislation including transport, education, and procurement law

Please apply or contact for an initial discussion.