Transport Contract Manager | Integrated Transport Service East

Transport Contract Manager

Location: Integrated Transport Service, East Lancashire (Network 65 Business Park, Hapton, Burnley)

Salary: £32,061-£36,363 per annum.
Employment type: Full Time, Permanent, 37 hours per week.

As a Transport Contract Manager, you will oversee Home to School (Special Education Needs and Disabilities) and Adult Day Care transport services. Your core duties include planning and resourcing journeys, managing contracts, monitoring performance, ensuring compliance, and building strong relationships with schools and support centres.

You will also manage a team of Passenger Assistants, responsible for recruitment, induction, workload allocation, performance appraisals, training, and payroll oversight. Absence management and low‑level disciplinary matters are part of your role.

• Plan and resource journeys using the council’s minibuses and approved private hire/taxi suppliers.
• Manage contracts, monitor performance, review efficiency, cost‑effectiveness, and ensure compliance.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal departments, schools, and day care centres.
• Recruit, induct, and manage a team of Passenger Assistants.
• Conduct performance and development appraisals, and prepare training plans.
• Monitor working time, approve pay records, manage absences and handle low‑level disciplinary issues.

• Experience in staff and contract management, preferably in transport or similar service sector.
• Excellent communication, organisational and people skills, with empathy for SEND and disability needs.
• Proficiency in IT systems (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and ability to learn new software.
• Leadership, supervisory, and organisational skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Up to 32 days annual leave plus 10 statutory/bank holidays.
• Competitive pension scheme and employee benefits platform, including discounts and salary‑sacrifice options.
• Career development opportunities within the service or across the council.

All applications must be submitted online. For an informal interview, feel free to contact Nicola Thomas, Area Transport Manager, by telephone or email Nic

Post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and may require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applicants are required to provide a vehicle for use in the role and must be insured for business use; disability drivers may still be considered.