Head of Transport & Fleet

?We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Transport & Fleet to lead all transport operations across our group of schools and nurseries. This strategic leadership role ensures that all student and staff transportation services are safe, reliable, efficient, and fully compliant with regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will excel in operational planning, fleet optimization, people management, and service excellence. Key Responsibilities: 1.

Transport Operations Management Oversee day-to-day operations of all School & ECC buses, shuttle services, and transport routes. Plan and schedule transportation routes and trips to ensure that students arrive at the schools & ECCs on time and are transported safely. Ensure safe, punctual, and efficient transport for students, staff, and special programmes. Maintain and monitor transport schedules, routing plans, and GPS tracking systems.

Respond to operational issues, route delays, and emergencies in a timely manner. 2. Fleet Management & Maintenance Manage the full fleet lifecycle: procurement, registration, inspection, maintenance, and disposal. Develop and implement preventive maintenance plans to minimise downtime.

Ensure vehicles meet safety, quality, and compliance standards always. Maintain accurate documentation for all vehicles, including RTA requirements and compliance records. 3. Safety, Compliance & Risk Management Ensure full compliance with internal policies, RTA and other regulatory requirements.

Lead safety audits, risk assessments, and investigations related to transport incidents. Implement driver training programmes and promote a culture of safety. Oversee child safeguarding protocols on buses, including bus attendants and safety systems. 4.

Budgeting & Cost Control Develop and manage the annual transport and fleet budget. Optimise cost efficiency through strategic planning, vendor negotiation, and fleet utilisation. Monitor fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and service contracts to ensure value for money. 5.

Leadership & Team Development Lead, supervise, and develop a team of drivers, transport coordinators, and support staff. Ensure staffing levels meet operational needs across all schools and nurseries. Conduct performance evaluations and coordinate ongoing training and development. 6.

Stakeholder Engagement & Customer Service Serve as the main point of contact for parents, school leaders, and internal departments regarding transport services. Monitor the performance of the transportation system and make recommendations for improvement as necessary. Address parent inquiries and concerns professionally and promptly. Work closely with school heads to align transport operations with school requirements and events.

7. Strategic Development Develop and implement transportation policies, procedures, and standards to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the school's transportation system. Identify opportunities to enhance service quality, efficiency, and safety. Lead transport-related initiatives such as digitisation, fleet upgrades, sustainability strategies, and route optimisation.

Contribute to long-term operational planning for the organisation. Job Specification: Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Transport Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum 8–10 years of experience in transport operations or fleet management; ideally within education, hospitality, or large-scale operations. Proven leadership experience managing large teams and multi-site operations.

Strong knowledge of transportation regulations, fleet maintenance, and RTA compliance & local regulatory requirements. Strong organizational and leadership skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and transportation management software. Valid UAE driver's license. Experience with route optimisation tools, GPS tracking systems, and transport management software. Interested candidates can apply on our website https://fortes.co/Careers