Transport Manager

March Recruitment; Reigate; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

March Recruitment is seeking an experienced Transport Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of a school transport service. You will oversee routes, fleet utilisation, budgets, and a team of minibus drivers while ensuring safety, compliance and excellent service standards.

You will build strong relationships with parents, staff and external providers, driving improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness while maintaining high safety and safeguarding standards.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in transport, fleet, logistics or similar operational role.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Proven experience leading and developing a team.
• Strong organisational, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing budgets and resources.
• Solid understanding of health and safety and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Confidence using digital systems/management platforms.
• Proactive, resilient and solutions-focused with ability to manage priorities.
• Commitment to safety, wellbeing and delivering excellent service.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of school transport, ensuring safe, efficient and reliable provision.
• Plan, review 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 schedules.
• Maintain transport management systems and use data to improve efficiency.
• Be main contact for parents and carers regarding transport arrangements.
• Manage transport budget, monitor expenditure and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Report on operational performance and contribute to service development.

Skills

Transport management

Fleet management

Team leadership

Budget management

Health & safety

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Digital systems

Problem solving

Organisational skills

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.Report on operational performance and contribute to the ongoing development of the transport service.

KeyAttributes

• 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

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

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