Senior Education Transport Co-ordinator in Bournemouth

Starting salary for this role is £39,152 (pro rata for part‑time colleagues). This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.

Job Overview

The senior co‑ordinator provides authoritative technical and professional support to the team leader in the operational management, procurement and efficient delivery of safe education transport. This includes supporting the professional development of a team of 8 education transport co‑ordinators and 200 passenger assistants. The role involves monitoring transport suppliers to resolve contractual and service issues, leading the processing of transport requests from commissioners on behalf of entitled young people including those with special educational needs, and overseeing the planning, procurement and co‑ordination of passenger transport, ensuring that services are safe, efficient, sustainable and compliant with statutory regulations and industry good practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Day to day supervision and support of the team responsible for the efficient processing and co‑ordination of requests for Education transport.
• Meet the needs of customers in accordance with legislation and council policy by designing, specifying and procuring safe, cost effective and efficient education transport solutions.
• Lead responsibility for the safe and efficient day to day operation of education transport including liaison with commissioners, parents, schools, passenger assistants, transport suppliers and other agencies.
• Sign off risk assessments to underpin proactive decision making after researching and collating information about passengers to ensure that foreseeable risks are managed.
• Devise creative individual travel plans to ensure appropriate, safe, sustainable and cost‑effective transport solutions, including those with the most challenging needs.
• Ensure value for money and compliance with financial regulations by the effective procurement of passenger transport, including the preparation of specifications for tender documents and contract management.
• Assist with the development of business processes and maintain passenger transport databases to ensure reliable service delivery and accurate management information.
• Provide general education transport co‑ordinator and passenger assistant support including contributing to recruitment and training, authorisation of timesheets and ensuring compliance with absence and other procedures.
• Ensure effective business relationships with suppliers and volunteers through efficient processing of orders and invoices and the production of effective management information.

Specific Qualifications & Experience

• Degree level academic achievement or equivalent workplace experience.
• Proven competence of leading an administrative team within a demanding and busy office environment.
• Experience of working in passenger transport, logistics or customer services.
• Detailed knowledge of education transport statutory guidance, health and safety and good operational practice; including the specific challenges of travellers with SEND.
• Demonstrate an empathetic understanding of the transport needs of young people including those with SEND and the impact on families.
• Understanding of good procurement practice and contract management.
• The ability to negotiate with operators regarding performance issues.

Personal Qualities & Attributes

• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills with the ability to design efficient integrated transport schedules using a combination of local geographic knowledge and resource planning skills.
• Good IT skills with the ability to use common and passenger transport specific software.
• Strong analytical abilities and the ability to work methodically and accurately, including attention to detail when under pressure and retaining focus when completing routine tasks.
• The confidence to work on own initiative to solve problems, provide specialist advice and manage risks associated with passenger transport.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and the resilience to deal with challenging situations sensitively and assertively when required.
• Positive approach to work, self‑motivated with a commitment to professional development.
• Proven ability to manage time effectively, prioritise and meet deadlines and targets.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equality and diversity.
• The ability to respect the views of others and work as part of a team.

Job Requirements

• A flexible approach to working hours including cover from 07:30 until 18:00.
• Must be able to travel, using public or other forms of transport where they are viable, or by holding a valid UK driving licence with access to own or pool car.
• Enhanced DBS check.
• This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
• Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.

We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive. It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly.