Transport Manager

Role & responsibilities

Transport Operations

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the school's transport department.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and punctual pick-up and drop-off of students.
• Develop and optimize bus routes to maximize efficiency while minimizing travel time.
• Monitor daily transport operations and resolve operational issues promptly.
• Ensure adequate transport coverage for field trips, extracurricular activities, examinations, and school events.
• Monitor GPS systems, route tracking, and vehicle movement to ensure service reliability.

Fleet Management

• Oversee the maintenance and operational readiness of all school buses and transport vehicles.
• Plan preventive maintenance schedules and coordinate repairs with vendors/workshops.
• Monitor vehicle fitness certificates, permits, insurance, pollution certificates, and registration renewals.
• Maintain records of servicing, breakdowns, fuel consumption, mileage, tyre replacements, and repairs.
• Conduct regular inspections to ensure buses are clean, safe, and roadworthy.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable transport regulations and school transport safety guidelines.
• Conduct regular safety audits of buses and transport operations.
• Verify that all buses are equipped with mandatory safety equipment including GPS, CCTV, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, speed governors, emergency exits, and other required safety devices.
• Ensure drivers, attendants, and transport staff comply with child safeguarding policies.
• Conduct emergency evacuation drills and safety awareness programmes.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, and complaints and implement corrective actions.

Driver & Bus Attendant Management

• Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate drivers and bus attendants.
• Verify driver licences, police verification, medical fitness, and statutory documentation.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and safety briefings.
• Ensure proper duty rosters and attendance management.
• Promote safe driving practices and excellent student behaviour management.

Parent & School Communication

• Act as the primary point of contact for transport-related enquiries.
• Communicate route changes, delays, emergencies, and service updates to parents.
• Address transport complaints professionally and ensure timely resolution.
• Coordinate with school leadership regarding transport planning and student safety.
• Maintain strong relationships with parents through responsive customer service.

Vendor Management

(Applicable where transport services are outsourced)

• Manage transport contractors and ensure adherence to service level agreements (SLAs).
• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews.
• Ensure contractual compliance, billing accuracy, and quality standards.
• Recommend improvements to transport services and vendor performance.

Administration & Reporting

• Maintain accurate transport records and student bus allocations.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports.
• Monitor transport budgets, fuel expenses, maintenance costs, and vendor invoices.
• Maintain MIS reports, incident logs, and compliance documentation.
• Analyse transport data to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Preferred candidate profile

• Student transport safety record
• On-time bus arrivals and departures
• Route efficiency and optimization
• Parent satisfaction levels
• Compliance audit scores
• Vehicle uptime and availability
• Preventive maintenance adherence
• Driver performance and attendance
• Fuel cost management
• Transport complaint resolution time