City Hospitals Independent Commercial Enterprises Ltd (CHoICE)

Operational Support Manager - Transport

The closing date is 20 February 2026

Job summary

We are excited to introduce a brand new role within our organisation - one that will play a pivotal part in shaping efficient, sustainable, and future-ready transport solutions. As our Transport Manager, you will take the lead in developing and delivering a high-performing internal transport service that supports every corner of the Choice business, undertaking responsibility for the management of Driver and Vehicle compliance

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on responsibility, enjoys improving systems, and wants to make a meaningful impact on both operational performance and patient care.

Transport is at the heart of our clinical and non-clinical operations. From ensuring staff and equipment reach the right place at the right time, to maintaining a safe and compliant fleet, your work will directly influence the quality of care we deliver and the efficiency of our services.

We are looking for someone who brings professionalism, strong leadership, and a commitment to best practice-someone who can ensure our transport operations meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and value for money.

To be considered for this role, applicants must have:

A full UK driving licence, along with a NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in Transport or Logistics Management, or equivalent professional experience, as well as a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Transport Management

Main duties of the job

To lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the NHS transport service, ensuring safe, efficient, cost-effective and legally compliant movement of patients, staff, and goods. This post holder will develop and maintain transport policies, oversee vehicle maintenance and fleet utilisation, and drive continuous service improvement in line with corporate objectives and sustainability targets.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Post:

Lead and manage Choice transport services, including planning, scheduling, and performance monitoring.

Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation including DVLA, VOSA, and NHS transport standards.

Manage the Trusts vehicle fleet, including procurement, maintenance, insurance, and fuel efficiency.

Develop and implement transport policies and procedures.

Oversee contracts and service level agreements with external transport providers.

Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), budgets, and service quality.

Promote sustainable travel initiatives and contribute to the Trusts Green Plan.

Ensure robust systems are in place for incident reporting, investigation, and resolution.

Line manage transport staff, including recruitment, training, and performance management.

Liaise with clinical and non-clinical departments to ensure transport services meet operational needs.

Represent Choice at regional and national transport forums as required.

About us

Please help us by adding your telephone number to your application form this will allow us to contact you quickly if required.

City Hospitals Independent Commercial Enterprises Ltd (CHoICE - trading since 2014) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT). We provide a full range of Facilities Management, Procurement and Outpatient Pharmacy services. We employ staff in a wide range of functions, ranging from cleaners, porters, engineers, procurement and pharmacists.

Commitment, Care and Compassion- our Team contribute to the overall hospital environment, providing safe, secure and comfortable facilities for access by patients, staff and visitors. CHoICE is an exciting place to work that will provide you with an opportunity to grow and develop. Many of our staff work flexibly, including part-time and we are committed to offering flexible approaches to work where possible. We provide a range of benefits including Fitness Centre (SRH), cycle to work scheme and access to a Childcare Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.

We welcome all applications regardless of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and in particular those from under-represented groups.

If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Details

Date posted

06 February 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£41,266 to £49,692 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

M9155-Z-EA-0226-11

Job locations

Sunderland Royal Hospital

Kayll Road

Sunderland

SR4 7TP


Job description

Job responsibilities

To lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the NHS transport service, ensuring safe, efficient, cost-effective and legally compliant movement of patients, staff, and goods. This post holder will develop and maintain transport policies, oversee vehicle maintenance and fleet utilisation, and drive continuous service improvement in line with corporate objectives and sustainability targets.

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE

Please note the Trust are not able to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the UKVI threshold requirements. Applicants are requested to consider this when making their application. Please visit Gov.UK for further information

Job description

Job responsibilities

To lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the NHS transport service, ensuring safe, efficient, cost-effective and legally compliant movement of patients, staff, and goods. This post holder will develop and maintain transport policies, oversee vehicle maintenance and fleet utilisation, and drive continuous service improvement in line with corporate objectives and sustainability targets.

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE

Please note the Trust are not able to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the UKVI threshold requirements. Applicants are requested to consider this when making their application. Please visit Gov.UK for further information

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in Transport or Logistics Management or equivalent professional experience.
  • Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Transport Management
  • Evidence of continued professional development
  • Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable

  • C1 or C category licence (vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes)

Physical skills

Essential

  • Confidently operate vehicles, including vans and minibuses.
  • Perform routine safety checks (tyres, lights, fluids) and oversee completion of driver logs and defect reports.
  • Coordinate basic vehicle maintenance, including cleaning and valeting.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

  • Strong understanding of transport legislation, including DVLA, VOSA, ADR, and NHS transport standards
  • Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to analyse data and produce clear, actionable reports
  • IT literate, with experience using transport management systems and Microsoft Office
  • Skilled in route planning, contingency scheduling, and resource deployment

Desirable

  • Understand the function that Facilities Services provide.
  • Knowledge of infection control, health & safety, and PPE protocols

Experience

Essential

  • Proven experience managing or supervising transport operations
  • Experience in staff supervision, performance management, and team development
  • Experience in fleet and asset management, including procurement and maintenance
  • Demonstrated ability to manage service budgets and contracts

Desirable

  • NHS or similar Management experience at a senior level, including strategic planning.
  • Familiarity with NHS governance and working within regulated environments (preferably healthcare or public sector
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in Transport or Logistics Management or equivalent professional experience.
  • Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Transport Management
  • Evidence of continued professional development
  • Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable

  • C1 or C category licence (vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes)

Physical skills

Essential

  • Confidently operate vehicles, including vans and minibuses.
  • Perform routine safety checks (tyres, lights, fluids) and oversee completion of driver logs and defect reports.
  • Coordinate basic vehicle maintenance, including cleaning and valeting.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

  • Strong understanding of transport legislation, including DVLA, VOSA, ADR, and NHS transport standards
  • Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to analyse data and produce clear, actionable reports
  • IT literate, with experience using transport management systems and Microsoft Office
  • Skilled in route planning, contingency scheduling, and resource deployment

Desirable

  • Understand the function that Facilities Services provide.
  • Knowledge of infection control, health & safety, and PPE protocols

Experience

Essential

  • Proven experience managing or supervising transport operations
  • Experience in staff supervision, performance management, and team development
  • Experience in fleet and asset management, including procurement and maintenance
  • Demonstrated ability to manage service budgets and contracts

Desirable

  • NHS or similar Management experience at a senior level, including strategic planning.
  • Familiarity with NHS governance and working within regulated environments (preferably healthcare or public sector

Employer details

Employer name

City Hospitals Independent Commercial Enterprises Ltd (CHoICE)

Address

Sunderland Royal Hospital

Kayll Road

Sunderland

SR4 7TP


Employer's website

https://www.choicesunderland.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

City Hospitals Independent Commercial Enterprises Ltd (CHoICE)

Address

Sunderland Royal Hospital

Kayll Road

Sunderland

SR4 7TP


Employer's website

https://www.choicesunderland.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Hotel Services Manager

Mark Turner

mark.turner4@nhs.net

01915656256

Details

Date posted

06 February 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£41,266 to £49,692 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

M9155-Z-EA-0226-11

Job locations

Sunderland Royal Hospital

Kayll Road

Sunderland

SR4 7TP


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

City Hospitals Independent Commercial Enterprises Ltd (CHoICE)'s privacy notice (opens in a new tab)