D-DRT Operations Manager

This role currently operates on a fortnightly rolling rota, Monday to Friday. One week of mornings and one week of afternoons. Details can be discussed at interview stage.

The Role

Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK, serving a population of 2 million residents, and has a very successful track record of delivering transformational change. ECC anticipated change was needed in the public sector and has worked to deliver better quality at lower cost. We have an ambitious transformation agenda - one with the scope to reach every part of the council. We are changing the way we think, the way we work, and the ways in which we deliver our services. We are committed to becoming a place where individuals, partners and communities feel proud to play their role and genuinely want to belong. We're immensely proud of our flexible working options.

The Opportunity

Essex County Council was awarded £2.5million from the Department for Transport to deliver DigiGo, a Digital Demand Responsive Transport (D-DRT) service. The service has begun to transform the local transport offer, piloting a passenger-focussed form of public transport, characterised by flexibility and the use of shared minibuses.

The DigiGo Operations Manager will fulfil a vital role in the continued success of the high-profile scheme. They will manage and lead a team of drivers and be responsible for the transportation of passengers; ensuring the service operates smoothly and managed appropriately according to passenger needs.

The role will also be responsible for the operation and management of the digital platform to deliver a quality experience to residents. Furthermore, the role will manage all day-to-day aspects of delivering a transport service, whilst also contributing towards the development of the service and future development of DigiGo in other areas.

This is a proactive role, using strategic thinking, planning and data for the service, to suggest innovative ideas and new ways to develop the service, thus ensuring DigiGo delivers a high-quality service.

The successful candidate must be willing to secure D1 category on your driving license, if not already obtained, with support and funding from ECC.

Accountabilities

• Responsible for ensuring all work undertaken meets the legislative requirements under which the DigiGo service operates (e.g. Section 22 licencing, drivers' hours requirements)



• Line manage 20+ drivers, coaching and mentoring them in the use of new digital technology and driving practises relevant to the service


• Develop and deliver local partnerships and innovations that contribute towards the service minimising cost to the Council


• Responsible for setting and managing drivers' rosters and shift patterns according to relevant legislation


• Responsible for ensuring that the delivery of the DigiGo service is cost-effective; maximising the use of the fleet and displaying value for money


• Responsible for managing the provision of the DigiGo service in order to ensure specific passenger needs are met


• Responsible for ensuring records are kept accurately with regards to operational data and budgetary information; and produce fortnightly reports for the Operations Board with this data


• Responsible for ensuring records are kept for all Local Bus work undertaken and providing relevant data to external transport consultants and internal teams (e.g. concessionary fares)


• Assisting with the processing of invoices and raising orders in accordance with financial regulations


• Responsible for delivering a high-level of customer service, ensuring customer complaints are brought to a satisfactory conclusion or escalated to a senior level where appropriate


• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives will be defined annually within the performance management framework


• Form part of a rolling duty rota, one week in a rolling four week cycle (evenings and weekends during the one week on duty
  
  Educated to degree level or equivalent by experience


• Evidence of continuing professional development and knowledge in relevant professional area (CPC Transport Manager qualification desirable)


• Demonstrable experience and skills in contract management and transport service delivery


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills


• Working knowledge of fleet management, including Electric Vehicles


• Excellent IT skills, with ability to find 'digital-first' solutions to technical issues and delivering continuous improvement


• Ability to operate in a busy environment, under pressure, with varied hours of operation (early mornings, late evenings, weekends)


To read more about us please visit: Climate, Environment and Customer Services

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.