Interim Head of Transport Services - Home to School - Local Authority

Interim Head of Home-to-School Transport

Location: Rotherham (Hellaby Depot) Contract: Interim Assignment Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days remote) Rate: £400-£450+ per day (DOE) via umbrella

Rotherham Borough Council is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Home-to-School Transport to lead a critical frontline service that supports approximately 1,400 students daily, primarily within SEND education. This role requires an Enhanced DBS clearance.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Home-to-School Transport Service.
• Manage contracted transport providers and the council's in-house fleet.
• Oversee independent travel training programmes.
• Lead on transport appeals, policies, and service development.
• Ensure compliance with Department for Education legislation and guidance.
• Manage budgets, improve financial control, and address service overspend.
• Progress the development of a new transport supplier framework.
• Support implementation of a replacement transport IT system.
• Engage effectively with customers, elected members, stakeholders, and partners.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Significant leadership and management experience within passenger transport services.
• Strong budget management and financial forecasting skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex operational services.
• Experience of supplier and contract management.
• Approximately five years' experience operating at a similar management level.
• Enhanced DBS clearance.

Desirable Skills:

• Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) qualification.
• Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) qualification.
• Experience within local authority transport services.
• Knowledge of SEND transport provision.

Key Deliverables:

• Improve financial oversight and budget control.
• Maintain progress on the new transport supplier framework.
• Lead development and implementation planning for a new transport management system.
• Ensure continuity and effective delivery of frontline transport services during a period of organisational change.

To apply for this Interim Head of Home-to-School Transport position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position.