DigiGo Deputy Manager in Braintree

Overview

DigiGo is the Council’s in-house digital demand responsive transport (D-DRT) service, delivering flexible, on-demand and pre-bookable public transport in parts of Essex. The team provides a lifeline to rural and sub-urban areas to enable direct or connecting journeys for residents of all ages and abilities.

The DigiGo Deputy Manager will manage day-to-day aspects of delivering a quality public transport service and ensure that staff and vehicle resources are managed to meet customer requirements and service objectives. The role will ensure that the service and team adhere to all health and safety and legislative requirements under which DigiGo operates.

Accountabilities

• Responsible for ensuring all work undertaken meets the legislative requirements under which DigiGo operates (e.g. drivers’ hours requirements, Section 19/22 licensing).
• Manage a team of 30+ drivers; including HR, induction, recruitment, training and development, ensuring adherence to GDPR and HR policies and practices.
• Autonomous daily decision making in regard to operational matters, balancing customer outcomes, service quality, safety and a range of other considerations.
• Create, update and ensure records are kept accurately with regards to operational data, safety, fleet management and service risk assessments.
• Ensure all drivers always adhere to health and safety, and legal operating procedures and take corrective and proactive action when required.
• Ensure all drivers comply with the Highway Code, deliver a quality and professional service and demonstrate exemplary behaviour.
• Ensure drivers complete a comprehensive training programme including refresher courses, and provide learning opportunities to upskill the team to meet future requirements.
• Identify and support individuals who require it and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Support the DigiGo Transport Manager in delivering a high level of customer service, ensuring complaints are addressed promptly or escalated where appropriate.
• Support in planning, resource allocation and management of the wider service, to ensure efficiency of costs and resources, including daily use and optimisation of digital platforms in operation.
• Deputise for the DigiGo Transport Manager, as required, and participate in the management on-call rota.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives, as defined by management.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Educated to A level / NVQ level 4 or equivalent by experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and knowledge in relevant professional area (Passenger Transport Operations Manager (level 4) desirable).
• Demonstrable experience and skills in vehicle/fleet management.
• A proven track record of managing a large team effectively, including experience managing HR issues (new starters and leavers, sick/maternity leave, early retirement, behavioural, disciplinaries and dispute resolution).
• Demonstrable experience and skills in route planning, vehicle and driver resource allocation in line with legislation.
• The ability to react calmly and independently to quickly changing operational situations to ensure continuation of the service and best outcomes for customers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent IT skills, with ability to find digital-first solutions to technical issues and deliver continuous improvement.
• Holder of a valid driving licence with Category D1 entitlement.
• The applicant will be required to hold a pass certificate for the ECC minibus assessment before being awarded the post.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

Interviews

In-person interviews are scheduled to take place on Friday 15 May 2026 at The Plaza, Great Notley.

Why Essex?

Essex County Council (ECC) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. ECC offers flexible working options, aims to deliver value for money, and supports people through inclusive policies and benefits for staff and carers. ECC is a Disability Confident Leader and offers reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. The council operates in a changing local government environment and provides opportunities to develop your career and contribute to the local community.

For queries about this role, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.