At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and coordinate transport services for children and young people in North Somerset.
- Company: Join North Somerset Council, a supportive and community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a compassionate team dedicated to improving transport services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families while promoting sustainable travel.
- Qualifications: Degree in transport planning or related field, with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 29542 - 49817 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Transport Planning Officer to join our Home to School Transport Service. The Home to School Transport Service is responsible for planning, procuring, coordinating and monitoring transport services for eligible children and young people across North Somerset. The team works closely with schools, colleges, families, transport operators and other Council services to ensure safe, efficient and best value transport arrangements whilst meeting statutory duties and supporting sustainable travel objectives.
In this role, you will provide professional advice and support in relation to the planning, delivery and development of transport services and transport-related projects. You will contribute to transport policy development, service improvement initiatives, contract management activities and the delivery of sustainable transport, whilst ensuring services meet corporate standards and relevant legislation.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide policy advice, analytical input and technical support for transport services and projects.
- Initiate, develop, and review travel policies, strategies, and service improvements that support sustainable travel objectives.
- Assist in procurement tendering, contract management and performance monitoring of travel services.
- Prepare reports, briefings and recommendations for senior officers, elected members, forums and committees.
- Manage medium-sized projects and budgets that contribute to service development and continuous improvement.
We are looking for a friendly, compassionate and resilient professional who enjoys solving problems and supporting families through complex situations. You'll be able to balance empathy with sound judgement, making fair and consistent decisions in line with Home to School Transport policies. You'll be passionate about passenger transport and delivering excellent travel services, with strong communication and organisational skills and the ability to work positively with families, schools, colleges, transport providers and colleagues.
Essential Requirements
- Educated to degree level or equivalent in transport planning, education or a related discipline, or able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience.
- Experience of working within a transport, passenger transport, education transport or related service area with knowledge of transport legislation, policy and operational practices.
- Strong analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to prepare reports and make evidence-based recommendations.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with families, schools, colleges, transport providers, elected members and partner organisations.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyse complex and sensitive situations, identify practical solutions and make recommendations that balance individual circumstances with statutory duties, transport policies and available resources.
- Demonstrable ability to communicate with empathy, professionalism and sensitivity when supporting children, young people and families, including those with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) and other vulnerabilities, whilst applying Council policies and procedures consistently and fairly.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of contract management, procurement processes or transport scheduling.
- Experience of using mapping, GIS, transport databases or other transport planning systems.
About Disability Confident
Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions. Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.
Transport Planning Officer employer: North Somerset Council
North Somerset Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises the voices of children, young people, and families. With a strong commitment to employee development and growth opportunities, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding practices while enjoying the benefits of a supportive community in a vibrant location. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and champions positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Planning Officer
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
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Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like North Somerset Council.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by North Somerset Council. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at North Somerset Council, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at North Somerset Council and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into North Somerset Council. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Somerset Council
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at North Somerset Council.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to North Somerset Council.
