Transport Manager

Ipswich School; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious independent school in Ipswich seeks a Transport Manager to lead services ensuring safety and compliance. This full-time position requires managing transport logistics, supervising drivers, and maintaining safety standards. Qualifications include a full UK driving licence with D1 entitlement and fleet-management experience. The role offers a salary of £32,600 per annum, benefits including free lunch, gym access, and a pension scheme. Applications are open until 19th January 2026.

Benefits

Free lunch during term time

Access to pool and gym

Cycle to Work scheme

Defined-contribution pension scheme

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence with D1 entitlement.
• Proven fleet-management experience, preferably in a school or charity setting.
• Comprehensive understanding of Section 19 and Driver Hours regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of transport services for pupils and staff.
• Serve as the primary link with technology partners and parents.
• Ensure legal compliance and safety audits.

Skills

Fleet management

Communication

IT proficiency

Staff supervision

Resilience

Education

Transport Manager CPC or MiDAS Assessor qualification

Tools

Route-planning systems

Fleet-management systems

Job description

Transport Manager – Full time, 42 weeks per year, Permanent

The School is one of the top 130 independent schools in England, located in Ipswich. We have around 1000 pupils aged between 3 months and 19 years and operate a 5‑day week during term time. The Transport Manager will lead the strategic and operational delivery of the School’s transport services, ensuring a safe, compliant and efficient network for all pupils and staff.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary operational link with technology partners and parents, overseeing routes and resolving incidents promptly.
• Ensure legal compliance, including Section 19 permits, vehicle maintenance lifecycles and safety audits.
• Plan transport for large‑scale trips and boarding requirements.
• Line‑manage and develop a team of drivers, providing coaching and performance oversight.
• Balance operational and financial oversight while offering hands‑on support when required.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence with D1 entitlement.
• Proven fleet‑management and staff‑supervision experience – preferably in a school or charity setting.
• Comprehensive understanding of Section 19 and Driver Hours regulations.
• IT proficiency (route‑planning and fleet‑management systems).
• Transport Manager CPC or MiDAS Assessor qualification desirable.
• Resilient, decisive, calm under pressure and able to communicate with empathy to parents and colleagues.

Working Hours, Salary and Benefits

• Permanent post with a 6‑month probationary period.
• Minimum 37.5 hours per week for 42 weeks of the year, including term time (35 weeks).
• On‑call from 07:00 to 18:30 during term time to respond to emergencies.
• Salary £32,600 per annum (includes paid holiday) – reviewed annually.
• Statutory holiday only during school holiday periods and other non‑contracted hours.
• Free lunch during term time, access to the pool and gym (free of charge).
• Smarthealth wellbeing app, 24/7 GP access and mental‑health support.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• After 3+ years, staff fee remission; after 3 months, defined‑contribution pension scheme with 10% employer contribution and 3x death‑in‑service life cover.

Application, Closing Date and Interview Arrangements

Please download the application form and full job description from https://www.ipswich.school/vacancies or contact the HR team on 01473 408300 or [e-mail].

Submit completed application forms by noon on Monday 19th January 2026 to the Director of Human Resources, Ipswich School, 25  Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG or via email at [e-mail].

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be advised promptly after the closing date; interviews are likely to be held on Wednesday 21st January 2026. If you are not contacted, your application will have been unsuccessful. Thank you for your interest.

Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child‑protection screening, including Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks.