Transport Planning Officer

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Transport Planning Officer to join our Home to School Transport Service. The Home to School Transport Service is responsible for planning, procuring, coordinating and monitoring transport services for eligible children and young people across North Somerset. The team works closely with schools, colleges, families, transport operators and other Council services to ensure safe, efficient and best value transport arrangements whilst meeting statutory duties and supporting sustainable travel objectives.

In this role, you will provide professional advice and support in relation to the planning, delivery and development of transport services and transport-related projects. You will contribute to transport policy development, service improvement initiatives, contract management activities and the delivery of sustainable transport, whilst ensuring services meet corporate standards and relevant legislation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide policy advice, analytical input and technical support for transport services and projects.
• Initiate, develop, and review travel policies, strategies, and service improvements that support sustainable travel objectives.
• Assist in procurement tendering, contract management and performance monitoring of travel services.
• Prepare reports, briefings and recommendations for senior officers, elected members, forums and committees.
• Manage medium-sized projects and budgets that contribute to service development and continuous improvement.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for a friendly, compassionate and resilient professional who enjoys solving problems and supporting families through complex situations. You'll be able to balance empathy with sound judgement, making fair and consistent decisions in line with Home to School Transport policies.

You'll be passionate about passenger transport and delivering excellent travel services, with strong communication and organisational skills and the ability to work positively with families, schools, colleges, transport providers and colleagues.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in transport planning, education or a related discipline, or able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience of working within a transport, passenger transport, education transport or related service area with knowledge of transport legislation, policy and operational practices.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to prepare reports and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with families, schools, colleges, transport providers, elected members and partner organisations.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyse complex and sensitive situations, identify practical solutions and make recommendations that balance individual circumstances with statutory duties, transport policies and available resources.
• Demonstrable ability to communicate with empathy, professionalism and sensitivity when supporting children, young people and families, including those with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) and other vulnerabilities, whilst applying Council policies and procedures consistently and fairly.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of contract management, procurement processes or transport scheduling.
• Experience of using mapping, GIS, transport databases or other transport planning systems

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Georgina James, Principal Transport Planning Officer at georgina.james@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07717225997

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.