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- Tasks: Lead the education transport team, ensuring compliance and effective service delivery.
- Company: Join Southend-on-Sea City Council, a dynamic local authority dedicated to community improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your career in local government.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and compliance is essential; relevant qualifications preferred.
- Other info: This role involves hybrid working, with a mix of office and field-based tasks.
Southend-on-Sea City Council is a unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who work alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend-on-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work-life balance. As a Unitary Authority, we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health, and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in several exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
We are looking for a Contracts and Compliance Lead Officer to join the education transport team on a full-time and permanent basis. This role will be based within a newly established team, and it is offered on a flexible and hybrid working basis (a combination of working from home and the office). As a contracts and compliance lead officer, you will be responsible for supporting the Home to School Transport service and ensuring that it meets the needs of students and families. This includes developing and implementing new policies, managing the budget, and working with contractors to ensure that services are delivered effectively.
The role also involves resolving complex cases, leading contractor meetings, and representing the Council at local and regional events. You will analyse and solve issues arising from non-compliance with contracts and Service Level Agreements, or from concerns raised by service users, relatives or other professionals and agencies, which are specific to the terms of the contract whilst providing excellent customer service and attaining business goals. You will manage the process of resolving customer complaints by clarifying the complaint, determining the cause of the problem, selecting the best solution to resolve the problem, expediting the resolution, whilst maintaining effective relationships with all stakeholders involved.
You will monitor and report data by analysing and interpreting all contractual KPI reports both externally and internally, producing reports including recommendations, and delivering reports up to and including senior management to contribute to the successful delivery of the Home to School Transport. You will attend and lead contractor meetings, ensuring minutes are taken and actioned effectively and providing support in all appeal matters. You will represent the Council at local and regional events in relation to Home to School Transport.
To be successful in this role, previous experience of negotiating with third parties, contractors, service providers and team is essential for this role. You must have a good understanding of the relationship between monitoring, service quality and service adjustment. It is essential that you are familiar with approaches to monitoring contract compliance. Previous experience of working within a contract / compliance/transport and/or facilities setting is essential for this role.
Your application will not be considered if you do not have one of the following:
- GCC Contract Management qualification/training at the minimum of foundation level
- Working towards qualification
- Have significant contract management knowledge and be prepared to obtain qualifications
If you’re interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief. Southend-on-Sea city council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
Contracts and Compliance Lead Officer employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts and Compliance Lead Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific policies and regulations related to Home to School Transport. Understanding these will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the local government sector, especially those involved in contracts and compliance. Attend relevant events or webinars to gain insights and make connections that could benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in negotiating with contractors and service providers. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed compliance issues in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Southend-on-Sea City Council's recent projects and initiatives. Showing knowledge about their current goals and challenges can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts and Compliance Lead Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of the Contracts and Compliance Lead Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as managing budgets, developing policies, and resolving complex cases.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in contract management, compliance, and transport services. Emphasise any previous roles where you negotiated with contractors or managed service quality, as these are crucial for this position.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and your passion for working in local government. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in contract compliance and stakeholder management.
Highlight Qualifications: Ensure you clearly state your GCC Contract Management qualification or any relevant training in your application. If you are working towards a qualification, mention this as well, as it shows your commitment to professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Contracts and Compliance Lead Officer role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around managing contracts and compliance in the education transport sector. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience negotiating with contractors and service providers. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed compliance issues or improved service quality. This will show that you have the relevant skills and knowledge required for the role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to provide examples of how you've resolved complex cases or customer complaints in the past. Discuss your approach to identifying problems, determining solutions, and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders. This is crucial for the role, as it involves handling sensitive situations.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the team's current challenges, the council's future projects, or how success is measured in this role. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.
