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- Tasks: Lead the commissioning and planning of safe, efficient travel solutions for communities.
- Company: Join Oxfordshire County Council, dedicated to connecting and empowering residents.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and a supportive employee assistance programme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through innovative travel solutions.
- Qualifications: Management credentials and experience in local authority settings are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working culture with great learning and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
At Oxfordshire County Council (OCC), our Supported Travel Service plays a vital role in keeping communities across the county connected, independent and involved. The service supports journeys and travel for residents using a blend of in-house and contracted vehicles, delivering a wide range of safe, efficient and reliable travel solutions including home-to-school and SEND transport, independent travel training, personal travel budgets, community and public transport schemes, and essential journeys for children’s and adults’ social care.
Our core commitment is to provide alternative, safe and efficient travel solutions that empower people of all ages to access education, care, and social opportunities. Safeguarding is central to our mission, with journeys underpinned by robust assurance, professional training and a culture of dignity and respect. Through practical, community-centred solutions, our service ensures residents can travel confidently and safely, whatever their needs.
This is an exciting time to join the team as we shape and embed new ways of working to support high-quality supported travel services.
What You’ll Do
As Travel Commissioning Manager in our Supported Travel Service, you will lead the commissioning, planning and strategic development of travel solutions across Home to School Travel and Adult Social Care Travel, ensuring journeys are safe, efficient and cost-effective. You will spearhead the commissioning of travel services, working with internal stakeholders and external providers to create innovative, person-centred solutions that empower independence and follow the hierarchy of travel in our travel and transport policies.
Your remit includes leading and managing a team of Travel Assessment Officers and Transport Coordinators, developing robust travel assessment practices, effective route planning, comprehensive risk assessments, and responsive service delivery for children, young people and adults with care and support needs. You will ensure travel services are safe, efficient, person-centred, and compliant with statutory and operational requirements, while adhering to legal obligations, policy frameworks and budgetary constraints.
You will work in close partnership with the Transport Operations Manager to optimise in-house transport provision and align it with commissioned services. You will also collaborate with the Contracts and Compliance Manager to ensure providers meet contractual, safeguarding, quality and financial requirements. These collaborative efforts sustain operational readiness, drive service enhancements, and deliver cohesive travel solutions for residents across Oxfordshire.
This role requires strategic leadership, sharp analytical skills and the ability to translate policy into practical, impactful operations. You will contribute to transformation programmes and service improvement projects using data, insight and strategic thinking to deliver sustainable, inclusive and best-value travel services. You will also support the Strategic Supported Travel Operations Manager with long-term strategic planning to ensure services are sustainable and deliver value for investment.
If you’re passionate about delivering positive change, this role provides an opportunity to drive meaningful improvements and influence sustainable and inclusive travel services. You will work with a dedicated team that prioritises continuous development and robust stakeholder engagement to deliver accessible, efficient, and high-quality travel solutions throughout Oxfordshire.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Manage the Travel Commissioning area to deliver services in line with organisational priorities
- Review and monitor service delivery performance, using data and feedback to drive improvements
- Ensure full compliance with safeguarding, health and safety standards, as well as all relevant transport and travel regulations
- Support and lead continuous improvement initiatives and projects
- Conduct statutory travel assessments and communicate decisions to families, educational institutions, and stakeholders
- Provide expert advice and input for decision-making, policy development, and service enhancements
- Work closely with the Contracts & Compliance Manager and Fleet Manager to address operational risks and issues related to service delivery, contracts, and fleet operations
What You’ll Bring
- Professional Qualifications: Holds relevant management credentials (such as CIPS, ILM, or CMI).
- Sector Experience: Demonstrates experience working within local authority or council settings, with a focus on Home to School Travel Assistance and Adult Social Care Transport.
- Strong leadership and people-management capabilities.
- Exceptional communication skills, particularly in engagements with families, schools, and partner services.
- Comfort managing complex cases, sensitive discussions, and competing priorities.
- Proficiency in using data analytics to inform decision-making and drive service improvement.
- Experience fostering collaborative relationships across multi-disciplinary teams.
- Adaptability to flexibly respond to evolving service requirements, policies, and legislative changes.
- Strong communication, negotiation and decision-making skills in a collaborative, solution-oriented approach.
- Experience implementing service and systems enhancements.
- Experience in strategic planning, development and delivery of travel or transport solutions aligned with statutory and operational frameworks.
- Demonstrated leadership in managing and developing teams, with emphasis on commissioning and coordinating services.
- Skilled in implementing travel assessment processes and communicating effectively with families, educational institutions, and stakeholders.
What You Can Look Forward To
- Hybrid working. Flexible approach to suit individuals and teams (team-specific info to be discussed at interviews).
- Culture of flexible working
- Great learning and development opportunities
- Technology to support agile working with access to Copilot for productivity
- Employee Assistance Programme with health and wellbeing support
- Generous annual leave—up to 30 days plus bank holidays, with option to buy additional time off
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Local Government Pension Scheme—employer contributions up to 19.9%
- Discounts on local and national offers for shopping and travel
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application by 22 February 2026. Upload a current CV with a personal statement explaining how your skills and experience match the role, referencing key requirements in the job description. We may close the vacancy early if sufficient suitable candidates are identified. Applications will be reviewed as received; shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, with next steps communicated as soon as possible.
For informal enquiries or further information about the role, contact Alexandra O’Hanlon, Head of Fleet and Transport Services (Alexandra.O’Hanlon@Oxfordshire.gov.uk)
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
OXfordshire County Council is committed to a diverse workforce and inclusive recruitment; we welcome applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or maternity/family leave. We have staff network groups that provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet essential criteria. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and meet essential criteria, and to apprenticeships for those leaving care with relevant criteria. We are also committed to helping those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. Recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Our commitment to Flexible Working
We are open to flexible working discussions, including flexitime, full-time/part-time, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours where role requirements allow.
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Travel Commissioning Manager in Oxford employer: Connected Local Government
Contact Detail:
Connected Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Travel Commissioning Manager in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the travel and transport sector, especially those connected to local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in supported travel services. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference in the community and how your skills align with our mission at Oxfordshire County Council.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly through it. We love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative to express their interest in joining our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to engage with families and stakeholders effectively. Mock interviews with friends can help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.
We think you need these skills to ace Travel Commissioning Manager in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Travel Commissioning Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in local authority settings and any management credentials you hold. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Oxfordshire County Council!
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your skills and experiences match the job description. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role. We love seeing passion and clarity!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Travel Commissioning Manager, strong leadership is key. Make sure to highlight your experience in managing teams and driving service improvements. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead effectively, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Local Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Oxfordshire County Council's Supported Travel Service. Understand their mission, values, and the specific travel solutions they provide. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Travel Commissioning Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in local authority settings. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and drive service improvements, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role involves using data analytics for decision-making, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to inform your strategies in previous roles. Discuss any specific tools or methodologies you've employed to enhance service delivery and compliance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex cases. Think about potential scenarios related to travel assessments or stakeholder engagement, and prepare your responses to showcase your strategic thinking and adaptability.
