Transport Manager

March Personnel; Reigate; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lunch provided each day

Job summary

March Personnel is partnering with a client to recruit an experienced Transport Manager for their school transport service. You will oversee routes, fleet utilisation, compliance, budgets and a team of minibus drivers, ensuring safe and reliable pupil transport while maintaining high service standards and strong relations with parents and staff.

The role requires leadership experience, a UK driving licence and a proactive, data-driven approach to improve efficiency and safety across the service.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in transport, fleet or logistics management.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Experience in budgeting and cost control.
• Good knowledge of health and safety and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of school transport service ensuring safe, efficient provision.
• Plan and optimise routes, vehicle utilisation and resources.
• Directly manage and develop a team of minibus drivers, including rotas and training.
• Manage relationships with external transport providers and monitor performance.
• Ensure compliance with transport legislation, safeguarding and vehicle maintenance.
• Maintain transport management systems and use data to improve efficiency.
• Be the main contact for parents and carers on transport matters.
• Manage the transport budget and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Report on performance and support service development.

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Transport planning

Health & safety

Stakeholder comms

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced and proactive Transport Manager to take responsibility for the effective day-to-day management and development of its school transport service.

This is a varied operational management role, overseeing transport routes, fleet utilisation, compliance, budgets and external providers, while directly managing and developing a team of minibus drivers. You will play a key role in ensuring pupils are transported safely and efficiently, maintaining excellent service standards and positive relationships with parents, staff and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the school's transport service, ensuring safe, efficient and reliable provision.
• Plan, review and optimise routes, vehicle utilisation and transport resources.
• Directly manage, motivate and develop the team of employed minibus drivers, including rotas, performance and training.
• Manage relationships with external transport providers, monitoring performance and service standards.
• Ensure compliance with relevant transport legislation, safeguarding, health and safety requirements and vehicle maintenance schedules.
• Take ownership of transport management systems, maintaining accurate records and using data to improve efficiency.
• Act as the main point of contact for parents and carers regarding transport arrangements and enquiries.
• Manage the transport budget, monitor expenditure and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Report on operational performance and contribute to the ongoing development of the transport service.

Key attributes

• Previous experience managing transport, fleet, logistics or a similar operational function.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Proven experience leading, managing and developing a team.
• Strong organisational, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing budgets, resources and operational costs.
• Good understanding of health and safety, safeguarding and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence using digital systems and management platforms.
• A proactive, resilient and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A genuine commitment to safety, wellbeing and delivering excellent service.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience within an educational setting.
• Knowledge of SEND transport requirements.
• CPC or equivalent transport qualification.
• First Aid qualification.

Benefits

• Lunch provided each day

Please note: Due to the large volume of applications we receive for each position we will only be able to respond to applications received with the relevant skills. Should you not hear from us within a week, unfortunately on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

March Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and complies with all relevant UK legislation.