Job Title: Service Manager (part time, 24 hrs p/w)

Employer: Warrington Community Transport

Responsible to: Board of Trustees

Closing date: 10th November

Interviews: Week commencing 16th November

About Warrington Community Transport

Warrington Community Transport is a small, local charity providing accessible, door-to-door community transport services to residents of Warrington and Burtonwood.

Our service is available to members who are aged 75 or over or who have a disability. We provide regular journeys for shopping, social activities, appointments and other essential trips, helping older and disabled residents to remain independent and connected to their communities.

Our friendly drivers provide a valuable door-to-door service, assisting passengers on and off our vehicles and providing a welcoming and supportive experience.

At the heart of our work is a commitment to reducing social isolation, promoting independence and improving quality of life for older and disabled people in our community.

We are now seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Service Manager to lead the organisation and help secure its long-term sustainability and growth.

The Role

The Service Manager will have overall responsibility for the effective day-to-day management and development of Warrington Community Transport.

This is a varied role requiring someone who can combine strategic thinking with practical problem-solving. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing the service, identifying new funding opportunities, building partnerships, ensuring regulatory compliance and supporting a small team of dedicated staff.

A key priority will be to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the organisation through diversification of income and funding streams, effective promotion of the service and the development of new partnerships and opportunities.

The successful candidate will share our commitment to social justice and demonstrate a genuine belief in the importance of accessible transport, independence and inclusion for older and disabled people.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Organisational Development

Provide effective leadership and management of Warrington Community Transport.
Work closely with the Board of Trustees to develop and implement the organisation's strategic priorities.
Take a strategic approach to the development and long-term sustainability of the organisation.
Identify opportunities to grow and develop the service in response to the needs of the community.
Explore opportunities to diversify the organisation's income and funding streams, including grant funding and contract opportunities.
Monitor funding requirements and ensure that agreed outcomes and reporting requirements are met.
Demonstrate the impact and value of the service to funders, commissioners, trustees and other stakeholders.

Partnership and Community Engagement

Develop effective working relationships with Warrington Borough Council, local voluntary and community organisations, health and social care partners, age-friendly networks and other relevant agencies.
Develop strong and positive relationships with Warrington Community Transport members and passengers.
Ensure that the views and experiences of passengers help inform the development of the service.

Transport Operations and Service Delivery

Oversee the effective day-to-day delivery of the community transport service.
Ensure that services are planned and delivered efficiently and in accordance with passenger needs.
Respond pragmatically and effectively to operational problems and unforeseen issues.

Compliance and Regulatory Responsibilities

Maintain a good working knowledge of the legal and regulatory requirements relevant to community transport.
Ensure that the organisation remains compliant with applicable transport regulations and other relevant legal requirements.
Maintain appropriate policies, procedures and records.

Staff and HR Management

Provide effective line management and support to the organisation's small team of staff.
Lead recruitment and induction processes as required.
Support staff development, training and performance management.

Monitoring, Reporting and Governance

Prepare regular reports for the Board of Trustees and other relevant stakeholders on the organisation's performance, activities and impact.
Provide trustees with appropriate information to support effective governance and strategic decision-making.

General Responsibilities

Undertake general office and administrative duties necessary for the smooth running of the organisation.
Maintain accurate and appropriate records.
Ensure effective communication with staff, trustees, passengers, partners and other stakeholders.
Carry out other reasonable duties consistent with the nature and level of the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Experience of partnership working with local authorities or other public sector organisations.
Knowledge of local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations and networks.
Knowledge of the geography of Warrington and Burtonwood.
Experience of working independently and managing a varied workload.
Experience of developing and maintaining positive relationships with a range of stakeholders.
Experience of managing staff and/or volunteers.
Experience of successful grant fundraising and/or writing funding applications.

Desirable Criteria

Knowledge of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) regulations and their application to community transport.
Understanding of the legal and regulatory environment relevant to community transport operations.
Experience or knowledge of working within the community transport sector.
Experience of managing or working within a charitable organisation.
Experience of tendering for contracts or working with commissioned services.
Experience of developing or implementing organisational strategies.
Experience of transport logistics, route planning or transport service management.

Skills and Abilities

Highly motivated, proactive and self-directed.
Strong organisational and time-management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to prepare clear and persuasive funding applications and written reports.
Ability to identify opportunities and develop new partnerships and sources of income.
Strong problem-solving skills and a pragmatic approach to operational challenges.
Ability to think strategically while also being willing to undertake practical, hands-on tasks.
Ability to build positive relationships with passengers, staff, trustees, funders and external organisations.
Ability to manage competing priorities within a small organisation.
Good IT and administrative skills.

Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Warrington Community Transport is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates who require them during the recruitment process.

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