Job Title: Transport Contract Manager
Location: Rayleigh, Essex
Salary: £29,000-35,000
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
My client in Rayleigh are looking for a dynamic and experienced Transport Contract Manager to take ownership of transport operations across a defined geographical area. This pivotal role involves overseeing the day-to-day delivery of Home-to-School (SEND) and Adult Social Care transport services, driving continuous improvement, fostering strategic partnerships, and contributing to the overall growth of the business.
As a regional lead, you will be a key ambassador for the organisation—building trusted relationships with local authorities, schools, day centres, and service users. You will lead on tender submissions, service mobilisation, and long-term contract delivery, ensuring compliance, quality, service user satisfaction, and efficiency at every stage.
This forward-facing and people-driven role suits someone who thrives on improving systems, identifying opportunities, and supporting team and personal development within a values-led and fast-growing organisation. You will bring together operational planning, performance monitoring, and people leadership to deliver safe, high-quality transport services to some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Significant experience in contract or transport operations management, transport planning, or operational leadership within a public or private sector setting.
Proven ability to manage complex logistics or mobility services, particularly those serving vulnerable groups such as children or adults with SEND.
Excellent interpersonal skills with a natural ability to build trust, communicate clearly, and manage multiple stakeholders.
Strong written communication skills, with experience in producing tenders, reports, and correspondence.
Organised and adaptable, able to work under pressure and manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Confident decision-maker with sound judgement, problem-solving skills, and commercial awareness.
Competence with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and transport management or scheduling software.
Previous experience working in SEND or adult social care transport, education contracts, or a regulated service environment.
Knowledge of Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS), tender portals, and framework agreements.
Strong knowledge of local authority procurement processes, contracts, and compliance frameworks.
Previous line management or team leadership experience.
Supervisory or team leadership experience within a dispersed or remote-working environment.

Regional Leadership & Relationship Management
Act as the senior operational lead for a specific region, overseeing the full delivery and performance of transport contracts within your area.
Develop strong, collaborative relationships with local authorities, procurement officers, schools, and other stakeholders.
Represent the business in meetings, reviews, and consultations—presenting performance data and service improvements.
Champion organisational values and act as the local face of the business with integrity, professionalism, and service focus.
Tender & Bid Support
Lead and support the preparation and submission of tenders, Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS), and framework agreements.
Collaborate with internal teams, gather local intelligence, develop case studies, and shape written responses tailored to your area to strengthen tender responses.
Lead and support with service mobilisation for successful bids, including stakeholder engagement, recruitment, and operational set-up, ensuring a seamless implementation.
Operational Contract Management
Manage and deliver contracted transport services across a combination of internal fleets and third-party suppliers.
Monitor all operational aspects of delivery including scheduling, punctuality, and service user satisfaction.
Ensure services are delivered to contract specification, meet agreed KPIs, and align with regulatory and legal standards.
Investigate and resolve any operational issues, working proactively with stakeholders to identify sustainable solutions.
Planning, Optimisation & Resource Allocation
Oversee the planning and optimisation of transport routes for SEND pupils and adult service users, ensuring safety, cost-effectiveness, and service continuity.
Balance the use of internal and external resources, making effective decisions on logistics and demand changes.
Utilise data and technology to identify route efficiencies, reduce mileage, and improve service outcomes.
Continuous Improvement & Business Growth
Actively seek opportunities to improve systems, processes, and service quality—driving efficiencies and measurable enhancements.
Monitor emerging needs and trends within your region and feed into strategic business development and future service planning.
Contribute to growth by identifying new opportunities, strengthening our reputation, and delivering on long-term client objectives.
Embrace innovation and support the implementation of new tools, software, and models of delivery.
Compliance, Risk & Quality Assurance
Ensure services comply with relevant legislation, safeguarding policies, and internal standards.
Maintain accurate and auditable documentation across contracts, vehicles, personnel, and service records.
Prepare for and participate in audits, inspections, and compliance reviews with local authorities and other governing bodies.
Performance Reporting & Budget Oversight
Monitor and analyse contract performance using KPIs and service data to inform decision-making.
Support the development and management of budgets for your area, balancing quality delivery with financial efficiency.
Provide reports and insight to senior leadership and clients, including incident trends, user feedback, and contract risks.
People Management & Development
Lead a regional team which may include Drivers, Passenger Assistants, Coordinators, and administrative staff.
Oversee recruitment requirements, induction process, rota planning, appraisals for immediate team, and ongoing professional development.
Promote a positive team culture that encourages accountability, collaboration, and pride in public service delivery.
Support your own personal development, seeking out training, peer learning, and new responsibilities to continuously grow in your role.