DigiGo Deputy Manager, Chelmsford

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 thriving team provides a lifeline to rural and sub-urban areas to enable direct or connecting for onward travel journeys to 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 they manage staff and vehicle resources to meet customer requirements and achieve the service objectives. This role will ensure the service and team as a whole, across a wide and differing operational area(s) adhere to all health and safety and legislative requirements under which DigiGo operates.

• 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.
• Responsible for autonomous daily decision making in regards to operational matters, balancing customer outcomes, service quality, safety and a range of other considerations.
• Responsible for creating, updating and ensuring records are kept accurately with regards to operational data, safety, fleet management and service risk assessments.
• Responsible for ensuring all drivers always adhere to health and safety, and legal operating procedures and take corrective and proactive action, if required.
• Responsible for ensuring all drivers comply with the Highway Code, delivering a quality and professional service and always demonstrating exemplary behaviour.
• Responsible for ensuring all drivers complete a comprehensive training programme including refresher courses, and there are appropriate learning opportunities to upskill the team to meet future requirements.
• Identify and provide support for individuals who require it and encourage a culture of continuous improvement.
• Support the DigiGo Transport Manager in delivering a high level of customer service, ensuring customer complaints are brought to a prompt and satisfactory conclusion or escalated to a senior level where appropriate.
• Support in the planning, resource allocation and management of the wider service, to ensure efficiency of costs and resources, including daily use and optimisation of the digital platform(s) in operation.
• Deputise for the DigiGo Transport Manager, as required, and form part of the management on-call rota.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives, as defined by management.

• 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, such as 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 the 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 delivering continuous improvement.
• Holder of a valid driving license 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.

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

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you've secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs. At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

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