Manager - School Transport

Bus Éireann, Ireland’s National Bus Company, a dedicated and highly organised School Transport Manager to oversee the delivery of safe, reliable, and efficient school transport services in Limerick. This role holds the responsibility for ensuring daily compliance with service level agreements, managing the training and development of key staff, and optimizing operational processes to provide a seamless transport experience for school communities.

As a key member of the School Transport Management Team, the role reports directly to the Senior Schools Manager and oversees the safe operation and efficient administration of the School Transport Offices in Limerick.

The ideal candidate will combine strong leadership with strategic planning abilities to maximize

resource utilization and deliver value for money, while fostering effective communication with schools, contractors, and stakeholders.

If you thrive on driving change, delivering impactful results, and making a difference, we invite you to apply for this critical leadership role with Bus Éireann.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the delivery of safe, timely services for school transport customers on a daily basis in line with SLA.
• Deliver 98%+ of all school transport services daily.
• 100% Staff GPS to be completed in line with mid-year and year end deadlines.
• 20% Routes to be prepared for 5-year tender process assistance given in conjunction with Procurement Dept - One-year contracts to be procured in line with guidelines.
• Periodic monitoring of changes to daily cost and monthly operating expenditure.
• 100% contracts signed and in place for all Contractors operating school transport services.
• Operating Boards reviewed and updated annually.
• Full compliance with all legislative requirements. 100% drivers vetted and 3-year re-vetting - 100% compliance with Supervisor Checks.
• 100% compliance with contactor documentation/use of Power BI reports.
• Implementation of Company policies and procedures.
• Timely reporting of accident/incident including follow up investigation.
• Target five days for response to customer queries with 90% target for Customer satisfaction.
• Review Loadings and routes annually to deliver optimum utilisation of resources.
• Periodic review of data quality reports in Trapeze.
• Manage and support the training and development needs of Clerical, Supervisory and School bus driving staff in local school transport offices.
• Deliver GPS for Clerical and Supervisory staff in line with company policy and within defined timelines.
• Manage and support on all aspects of the school supervisor’s role, including work allocation and decision making.
• Provide assistance and administer the procurement of School Transport services in line with procurement policies and procedures.
• To include negotiation and signing of contracts.
• Provide operational details to ensure responses to reports as required by Schools management/PQ/DOE within defined timelines.
• Manage data in the trapeze system to ensure it accurately reflects the operation on the ground i.e. Pupil no/contract details/rates/ Km’s etc.
• Ensure that all school transport applications are processed in a timely manner and sanction is received for expenditure in relation to additional cost associated with SEN and Mainstream applications.
• Independent Vehicle Inspections – Ensure the agreed Logistics UK national target on vehicle inspections is achieved on an annual basis.
• Ensure adherence with all Bus Éireann’s policies and procedures, relating to GDPR/Procurement/Child safeguarding/ Safety/ Compliance/Remote/hybrid working policies etc.
• Efficient network planning /optimised use of resources.
• Ensure optimum utilisation of resources in designing and reviewing routes to achieve value for money for the DoE.
• Respond to queries from all external partners and stakeholders including contractors, the general public, public representatives & schools in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance of contractor vehicle, driver, vetting documentation in line legislative requirements and KPI targets.
• Full implementation of the safety management systems /investigation and follow up on accidents/incidents/ Ensure mandatory Supervisor route checks are completed.
• Ensure all controls in place in relation to setting up contacts/ authorisation of contactors accounts/refunds etc./Support Internal Audits of local office as required.
• Support schools’ management and IT teams in implementing any new work processes in line with Technology transformation plans.
• Any other tasks as directed by Senior Management Team.

KEY SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• People Management experience

• Strong understanding of the School Transport Scheme

• Knowledge of School Transport procurement process

• Budgetary Control

• Microsoft- Office, Power BI

• School Transport experience

• Knowledge of Trapeze IT system

• Experience in Route/ Network planning

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIESCustomer Focus

Actively listening to build and deliver solutions that meet customer expectations. Recognises the importance of understanding internal and external stakeholder requirements and going the extra mile to exceed their expectations.

Safety

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of safety regulations and consistently strives to adhere to them in all aspects of their work. Actively ensures compliance with established safety protocols and guidelines, promoting a culture of safety within the team and organisation.

Collaboration

Demonstrates the ability to collaborate effectively with others to achieve common goals within their team or department. Demonstrates strong communication skills in one-on-one or small group settings, actively listening and engaging with others. Shows attentiveness and understanding, ensuring that all perspectives are heard and valued.

Versatility

Recognises that different situations may call for different approaches and starts adjusting accordingly. Begins to acquire data from various sources when solving problems. Scans the environment for new technical skills, knowledge, or capabilities that may benefit performance.

Driving Results

An intentional focus on achieving set objectives and performance targets and commitment to continuous improvement. It involves a goal-oriented mindset, planning to address challenges through effective problem-solving.

Sustainable Practice

Displays a strong awareness of environmental and social responsibility principles, emphasising the importance of ethical actions. Demonstrates a solid understanding of industry trends and best practices, recognising their critical role in driving positive impact.

WHY JOIN BUS ÉIREANN?

Joining Bus Éireann means becoming part of a respected national transport company that plays a vital role in connecting communities across Ireland. We are committed to supporting our employees through competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and a positive work environment that encourages career progression and work-life balance.

As part of our commitment to employee well-being and long-term career development, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits.

BENEFITS

• Contract: Permanent
• Annual leave: 25 days increasing to 28 after 5 years’ service
• Subsidised GP Scheme for you, your partner and dependents up to age of 16
• Travel concession on CIE services for yourself and dependents
• Residential travel on CIE services to and from workplace
• Pension Scheme
• Welfare Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Parking on site (Location dependent)
• Gym on site (Location dependent)
• Study scheme
• Subsidised canteen (Location dependent)

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to lead safe, efficient school transport services and shape the future of school travel in

the Limerick (West), visit careers.buseireann.ie to apply by Friday 22nd of May 2026 COB.

The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience.

Bus Éireann is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to fostering a diverse and

inclusive workplace where everyone can achieve their potential