Senior Transport Commissioning Manager

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC623335

Salary Range: £48,948 - £54,423 per annum

Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)

Hours per week: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 1 March 2026

Interview Date: w/c 9 March 2026

The Role:

Early applications are encouraged as we may close the advert ahead of the stated closing date.

Joining our School Transport management team as a Senior Transport Commissioning Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring over 14,000 students, including many with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), can access education safely, reliably, and efficiently. 

This key strategic role, is responsible for commissioning and delivering high quality school transport services, driving continuous improvement, ensuring statutory compliance, and shaping the future of transport provision across the county.

What you’ll do:

• Provide strategic leadership for the commissioning of school transport services across mainstream, SEN, post 16, and social care transport.


• Ensure services are high performing, cost effective, and compliant with statutory requirements and corporate priorities.


• Develop and implement commissioning strategies, policies, and procedures to deliver efficient and consistent services. Ensure robust governance, risk management, and compliance with data protection and child protection policies. 


• Oversee the use and development of route planning and transport management systems, embedding technology to improve efficiency and communication.


• Build strong relationships with schools, families, transport operators, and internal teams to support customer focused delivery.


• Act as the senior escalation point for complex operational issues, complaints and safeguarding matters ensuring timely resolution and safeguarding compliance.


• Lead and line manage Transport Commissioners and other staff within the commissioning team, ensuring high standards of performance and customer service excellence together with a culture of accountability and collaboration.


• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and delivery of cost saving initiatives through data driven decision making.

What we’re looking for:

• Significant experience in strategic commissioning and contract management within a complex service environment.


• Proven senior level leadership experience with a track record of managing and developing effective teams.


• Strong analytical skills, with experience in using data insight to inform strategic decisions.


• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills.


• High level of IT literacy, including Microsoft Office and SharePoint.


• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.


• An excellent understanding of SEN and social care transport requirements.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Senior Transport Commissioning Manager role, team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.

Why join us?

•    Play a central role in shaping services that make a meaningful impact on the lives of children, young people, and families across Hampshire.
•    Be part of a forward thinking service that embraces innovation and continuous improvement.
•    Enjoy opportunities for professional development, leadership growth, and strategic impact.
•    Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice. 
•    A competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.   

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.

Other roles you may have experience of may include: Transport Commissioning Lead, Transport Commissioning Programme Manager, Senior Transport Strategy Manager, Transport Services Manager, Transport Contracting Manager, Transport Governance and Compliance Manager, Senior Manager – School Transport, Service Lead for Transport Commissioning

Travel Requirements:

You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.

Additional Information:

Senior Transport Commissioning Manager Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

For general enquiries, please contact [email protected]
For an informal chat about the role please contact Allison Picton, Senior Operations Manager on [email protected]