At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to coordinate home to school transport for students with diverse needs.
- Company: Cheshire East Council is a leading employer dedicated to community service and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days of annual leave, flexible working, and discounts on gym memberships and services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in office environments and knowledge of transport regulations are essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for paid volunteer leave and a cycle to work scheme available.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 Β£ per year.
An opportunity has arisen for a temporary, full time Operations Officer to join our friendly team at Cheshire East Councils home to school administration team. We are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated employee who will play a key role in the daily operational activities of this busy service.
ABOUT THE ROLE
You will work within a team who plan, and co-ordinate assisted home to school transport for students who attend mainstream and special schools, some of whom have complex and special needs. In this diverse and interesting role, you will be dealing with a range of people on a day-to-day basis which includes schools, operators, parent and carers and colleagues from other service.
Cheshire East, like many other local authorities, is facing unprecedented challenges in terms of increasing demand for services and rising costs. A Council-wide transformation programme is underway to help us become stronger and more flexible, so we can deliver our vital services better and continue to support those who need it most.
You will plan and allocate service users to \βin-house\β and contracted transport services ensuring that passenger needs are met and that transport is provided cost effectively and in accordance with the service level agreements with client departments.
Organisation
Cheshire East Council
Location
Crewe
Job Category
Highways and Transport
Grade
CEC NJC β Grade 7
Salary Min
Β£31,537 Per Annum
Salary Max
Β£34,434 Per Annum
Hours per week
37
Weeks per year
52.143
Employment Type
Fixed Term
Contract Duration
6 months
Closing Date
26/09/2025
Ref No
E3286
Cheshire East is an amazing place to live and work. As one of the largest employers in the borough, we are able to offer you a wide range of challenging and rewarding career opportunities.
At Cheshire East Council we are working for a brighter future β together and our commitment to you is that our workplace culture will provide a shared purpose, a well-led organisation with valued people succeeding together as one team and one council to deliver the best service for our customers and communities.
If you want to be part of our award-winning council and contribute to our ongoing success, have the flexibility and drive to enable us to innovate, are committed to working as part of a team and striving to deliver exceptional service wherever you can, we would especially like to hear from you.
As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our local communities so that we can all work for a brighter future β together.
Brighter Future
ABOUT YOU
You will have:
- Experience of working in a demanding office environment
- High level of customer service skills
- Ability to work to deadlines and prioritise work accordingly
- Effective teamwork and communication skills
- A flexible approach to work
For the purpose of the role, it is desirable that the jobholder holds a full clean driving licence.
WHAT WE GIVE IN RETURN
-
ENHANCED ANNUAL LEAVE β 34 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) from day 1, increasing up to 39 days after only 5 years\β service
-
ENHANCED PUBLIC PENSION β A career average pension (contributions built at a rate of 1/49th of your yearly pensionable pay
-
FLEXIBLE WORKING PATTERN β 37-hour standard full time working week with flexi time and hybrid/remote working arrangements
-
PURCHASE OF ANNUAL LEAVE β The ability to purchase up to 10 days\β extra annual leave each year in addition to your normal annual leave entitlements (this is pro-rata for part time staff)
-
CYCLE TO WORK SCHEME β Receive up Income Tax and National Insurance savings of up to 25-39% off the retail price of the bike and safety equipment package (savings dependent on the value of your chosen package and your tax status)
-
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME β A completely free to use and confidential assistance service for all employees to help staff manage, reduce and overcome the impact of life issues which they may experience from time to time, both within work and their personal life
-
PAID VOLUNTEER LEAVE β Up to two days paid leave per year to volunteer for local organisations in the borough of Cheshire East
-
VIRGIN MEDIA AND O2 DISCOUNTS β Exclusive discounts on Virgin Media Broadband and O2 pay monthly plans.
-
DISCOUNTED GYM MEMBERSHIPS β Access to corporate membership prices for Everybody Leisure which includes:
-
Gym, Swim and Group Fitness at all 16 facilities
-
Off-Peak Racket Sports
-
Athletics Tracks
-
Sauna/Steam/Spa
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for the role please Apply for this job at the bottom of the page, or, for or an informal chat about the role please contact Clair Kiffin We reserve the right to close any vacancy sooner than the advertised closing date, should a suitable candidate be found. Early application is therefore advisable.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information please contact Clair Kiffin via email;
Please ensure you check the email account (including junk/spam boxes) from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.
If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date then it is likely that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion, however please do not be discouraged from applying again.
For any technical enquiries please email
Please quote job reference number in all correspondence.
Operations Officer employer: Cheshire East Council
Contact Detail:
Cheshire East Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Operations Officer
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the regulations and policies related to transport operations. Understanding these will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Cheshire East Council, especially those in the home to school transport team. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing deadlines and prioritising tasks. Think of specific examples where you've successfully navigated a busy work environment.
β¨Tip Number 4
Showcase your teamwork and communication skills during any interactions with the council. Being able to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders is crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Officer
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Operations Officer. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties mentioned in the job description, such as planning and coordinating transport for students with special needs.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your understanding of transport regulations, office experience, and teamwork abilities.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the council's mission. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cheshire East Council
β¨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Operations Officer, especially in relation to home to school transport. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students, particularly those with complex requirements, as this will show your commitment to the role.
β¨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss your experience in teamwork. Share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others in a demanding office environment to achieve common goals.
β¨Showcase Your Flexibility
Highlight your ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities. The council is undergoing transformation, so demonstrating a flexible approach to work will resonate well with the interviewers.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare scenarios related to transport operations and how you would handle challenges, ensuring you align your answers with the council's values and service level agreements.