At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve people’s lives.
At Bath & North East Somerset Council, our purpose is simple to improve people’s lives. That purpose is at the heart of everything we do, and nowhere is it more tangible than in Passenger Transport.
About the Team
Every day hundreds of journeys take place because of the decisions, partnerships and services delivered by our Passenger Transport team. From helping children and young people access education, to ensuring vulnerable adults can reach essential care and support, this is a service that has a direct and meaningful impact on residents and families across Bath and North East Somerset.
We are looking for an exceptional leader to take on the role of Service Manager Passenger Transport, providing strategic and operational leadership across Home to School Transport, SEND Transport, Adult Social Care Transport and Passenger Fleet Operations.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-profile service at a time of significant change and opportunity. You will help shape how transport services evolve to meet growing demand, changing customer expectations and increasing financial pressures, while maintaining a relentless focus on safety, quality and outcomes.
About the Role
Reporting within the Place Management leadership team, you will lead a diverse operational service responsible for:
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Home to School Transport
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SEND Transport
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Adult Social Care Transport
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Passenger Fleet Operations
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Operator Licence Compliance
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Transport Contracts and Providers
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Safeguarding and Transport Safety
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Service Improvement and Transformation
You will work closely with schools, families, councillors, transport operators, social care colleagues and regional partners to ensure services are safe, effective, financially sustainable and centred around the needs of residents.
You will lead experienced managers and operational teams, providing visible, supportive leadership whilst creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
What you'll be responsible for
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Providing strategic leadership across the Council's Passenger Transport Service.
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Ensuring statutory transport responsibilities are delivered effectively and efficiently.
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Leading transport contract management, commissioning and provider relationships.
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Maintaining high standards of safeguarding, compliance and passenger safety.
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Acting as a senior lead for fleet operations and Operator Licence responsibilities.
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Driving service transformation, innovation and continuous improvement.
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Managing significant budgets and ensuring value for money.
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Building trusted relationships with Members, schools, families, providers and partners.
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Leading, developing and supporting managers and staff to succeed.
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Creating a resilient, inclusive and high-performing service culture.
About You
This is a role for someone who can balance strategic thinking with operational delivery; someone who is equally comfortable leading service transformation, responding to operational challenges, and supporting colleagues through change.
You will be educated to degree level (or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience) and hold a Passenger Transport Manager CPC, or be able to achieve the qualification required to support the Council's Operator Licence responsibilities.
What we're looking for
We are seeking an experienced leader who brings:
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Significant experience managing complex operational transport services.
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Strong understanding of SEND, education or adult social care transport provision.
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Experience managing contracts, providers and commercial relationships.
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A track record of delivering service improvement and organisational change.
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Strong financial management and budget oversight skills.
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Excellent stakeholder and relationship-building abilities.
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Experience leading and developing teams through periods of change.
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Sound judgement, resilience and political awareness.
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A collaborative and empowering leadership style.
If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Chris Major (Director of Place Management) [email protected] or call 01225394231 or Paul Garrod (Head of Highways Delivery) [email protected] or call 01225394336.
Interview date: 11/09/2026
No Agencies Please.
Please note: that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
- Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.
