Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC621663
Salary Range: £47,430 - £52,735 per annum
Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 30 July 2025
The Role:
As Passenger Assistant Team Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in Hampshire’s School Transport Service, which supports over 14,000 students, including many with special educational needs (SEN), in accessing education safely and reliably. You’ll lead a small but high-impact team who are responsible for overseeing the work of approximately 600 Passenger Assistants across the county. Through strategic leadership, safeguarding oversight, and a commitment to service excellence, you’ll ensure the safe and efficient delivery of transport services for our most vulnerable students.
What you’ll do:
- Lead service performance: Take accountability for the quality and delivery of the School Transport Service, ensuring high standards of customer care and timely service across all operations.
- Lead the Passenger Assistant workforce: Directly manage a team of 5–6 staff who oversee 600 Passenger Assistants. Responsible for recruitment, retention, complex HR processes, and safeguarding across the service.
- Drive recruitment partnerships: Build strong relationships with Hampshire County Council Recruitment and Connect2Hampshire to ensure efficient hiring and continuous improvement in staffing processes.
- Coordinate route reviews: Regularly review and adjust Passenger Assistant route allocations, working closely with schools, families, and internal teams to manage changes with care and precision.
- Plan for peak demand: Collaborate with colleagues to set up transport arrangements ahead of the academic year, using forecasting and performance data to anticipate and meet service needs.
What we’re looking for:
- Operational and strategic acumen: Strong understanding of operational environments, with the ability to manage change effectively and think strategically to solve problems.
- Leadership and team management: Proven experience supervising staff or contractors, with a focus on motivating teams and driving performance in a fast-paced setting.
- Communication, influence and safeguarding confidence: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and lead teams to deliver results, and confidently manage complex HR and safeguarding issues.
- Organisational and IT proficiency: Skilled in managing multiple priorities, using IT systems and digital tools to enhance operational efficiency.
- Resilience and results-orientation: Adaptable, proactive, and outcome-focused, with a confident, decision-making approach and a drive for continuous improvement.
Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Passenger Assistant Team Manager role. The ‘About you’ section explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements in your application.
Why join us?
- Purpose-driven impact: Be part of a passionate, purpose-led team making a real difference in children’s lives.
- Dynamic and meaningful work: Enjoy the challenge and variety of a role where no two days are the same, and your leadership truly matters.
- Supportive culture: A flexible, inclusive working environment that values your wellbeing and expertise.
- Employee support: 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.
- Competitive benefits package: Including 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 job titles you may be searching for: School Transport Manager, Education Transport Coordinator, Special Educational Needs (SEN) Transport Manager, Passenger Services Manager, Transport Operations Manager, Passenger Assistant Supervisor, SEN Transport Lead.
Travel Requirements:
You may be required to visit other locations within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight or other local authority, and therefore need to have the ability to travel, as necessary.
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:
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
