Transport Officer in Aberystwyth

We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the Corporate Passenger Transport Unit (CPTU) as a Transport Officer.

The postholder will play a key role in the day-to-day management and delivery of the Council’s contracted passenger transport services, ensuring that services operate efficiently, safely and in accordance with Council policies, contracts and service specifications.

• The services managed by the Corporate Passenger Transport Unit include:
• Local Bus Services
• Learner Transport
• Social Services Transport
• Community Transport

The role will involve working closely with transport operators, schools, colleges, parents and guardians, Council departments and other external stakeholders to resolve operational issues and ensure the effective delivery of passenger transport services.

The postholder will report to the Corporate Passenger Transport Unit Manager and will also provide supervision and support to members of the CPTU team.

About the role

• Responsible for monitoring contracted passenger transport services to ensure compliance with Council policies, contracts and service specifications.
• Manage day-to-day operational issues arising across passenger transport services, working closely with contractors, schools, colleges, parents, service users and Council colleagues.
• Undertake contractor monitoring, including school visits and roadside surveys, and address performance or compliance issues where identified.
• Support the management of the Council’s passenger transport budget and contribute to ensuring services provide effective value for money.
• Support passenger transport procurement exercises, including the preparation and assessment of tender documentation and subsequent contract management.
• Manage and coordinate Home to School Transport Risk Assessments and ensure appropriate safeguarding and safety arrangements are in place.
• Coordinate Additional Learning Needs and Looked After Children transport, taking account of individual needs and safeguarding requirements.
• Respond to customer enquiries and complaints, providing appropriate advice and seeking effective resolutions to operational issues.
• Work collaboratively with Learning Services, Social Services, schools, contractors, Police and other partner organisations when investigating incidents or resolving complex and sensitive issues.
• Provide support in relation to concessionary travel, bus timetable information and other passenger transport support services.
• Arrange short-term and emergency learner transport requirements where necessary.
• Contribute to reports, information and advice provided to senior management and elected Members on passenger transport matters.
• Represent the CPTU at meetings and partnership groups as required.
• Deputise for the Corporate Passenger Transport Unit Manager when required.

Essential requirements

• NVQ Level 4 in Transport or an appropriate discipline, or a minimum of four years’ relevant experience within a transport-related field.
• Experience of passenger transport operations and an understanding of issues affecting the effective delivery of passenger transport services.
• Experience of working with contractors and monitoring service delivery and contractual compliance.
• Experience of working with members of the public and a wide range of stakeholders.
• Good understanding of Local Government procedures and the ability to work within relevant policies and legislation.
• Experience of managing competing priorities and working effectively to deadlines.
• Good financial control and resource management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to deal tactfully and professionally with sensitive and contentious issues.
• Ability to work independently using initiative, while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to lead, motivate and support colleagues.
• Highly ICT literate, including experience of Microsoft Office and relevant systems.
• Full Manual Driving Licence.
• An ability to communicate in Welsh, or a willingness to achieve the required Welsh language standard within two years of appointment.

Desirable skills/qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues when working with vulnerable children and adults.
• Previous experience of working within Local Government or the transport industry.
• NVQ qualification in Road Passenger Transport.
• Experience of using Omnibus/Omnitimes or similar bus timetable software.
• Our offer to you

The contribution our employees make to the health, safety and wellbeing of our communities is invaluable.

We therefore want to ensure that you find working for Ceredigion as rewarding as possible.

With that in mind, we offer a range of employee benefits, including

• Health and wellbeing initiatives, including free lifestyle and counselling support
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay
• Learning and development opportunities to support career progression
• Salary sacrifice schemes, including the Cycle to Work scheme

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed transport professional to join a friendly and dedicated team and play an important role in delivering safe, effective and responsive passenger transport services across Ceredigion.

For further information or an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Dafydd Rennie on 01545 570 881.

Note: We reserve the right to extend the application closing date.

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