Galloway Community Transport requires an Assistant Manager

 

Assistant Manager required for a small but diverse and dynamic community transport operation.

 

Galloway Community Transport (GCT) is a forward-looking community transport operation based in New Galloway and operating throughout Kirkcudbrightshire and further afield. GCT is a subsidiary of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust.

 

GCT provides minibus-based community transport services (including registered and GCT’s own local bus services; school buses; excursions) and a car-based patient transport service (in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service).

 

In partnership with Connecting in Communities, operates GCT an electric car for small group journeys.

 

GCT has around 90 member organisations which hire vehicles and drivers for a wide range of purposes.

 

Current GCT initiatives include an ebike club, linking the Glenkens communities, and seeking funding for an electric-car-based community car club.

 

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The Assistant Manager post involves working closely and sharing responsibility with the GCT Manager in delivering a range of transport services greatly valued in the community.

 

This is very much a ‘hands-on’ job dealing with all aspects of running a community transport operation to the highest standards.

 

The role will require the ability to work under supervision as required but also initiative and problem-solving skill in a variety of contexts.

 

Appropriate training and mentoring will be provided.

 

GCT is constantly expanding operations, creating opportunities for a suitable person to take on greater responsibilities (with the corresponding remuneration and benefits) in the future.

 

This is an excellent opportunity offering a competitive salary plus excellent conditions and prospects with an employer (GCAT/GCT) well known and respected in the local community.

 

Hours

20 hours per week. Ideally 4 hours per day, 5 days per week but the pattern is negotiable.

The post will require some flexibility regarding working hours to share on-call responsibility with the GCT Manager.

 

Salary

Starting salary £18k per year pro rata (= £10,285 for 20 hours per week)

 

Skills/ Experience

The ideal person will have sound organisational, communication and people skills and experience in a comparable administration/management role.

 

Self-starter, quick to grasp new concepts and information, able to follow guidance and to take initiative where necessary.

 

Good problem solver – need to be able to work out and implement practical solutions to problems promptly and viably.

 

Able to deal efficiently and personably with a wide range of people (for example, manager, customers, partners, drivers, maintenance personnel…) in person, on the phone and by email/text.

 

Good communicator – verbal and written – accurate and concise.

 

IT:  Essential: MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access); Desirable: Photoshop or Paintshop Pro, Wix (or similar).

 

Qualifications/ Experience

No specific qualification or experience is required though a qualification or experience in transport management or similar would be an advantage.

 

Current driving licence.

 

A Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) certificate or willingness to do MiDAS training/assessment.

 

Location

While COVID19 restrictions remain in force the post will be largely home-based, though the post-holder will be expected to spend some time each week in the office in the Catstrand, New Galloway. Post lockdown arrangements are negotiable.

 

To Apply

Applications should be in the form of a CV and covering letter emailed to the GCT Manager on gct@catstrand.com by 1700 on Friday 15 May.

Please write Assistant Manager Post in the email Subject line.

 

Responsibilities/Tasks

The post will require a practical understanding of all GCT operational processes and procedures. The following list is indicative rather than exhaustive.

 

Patient Transport Service

• Take and record patient transport requests (Google Calendar, Excel spreadsheet)

• Coordinating PTS drivers with requests

• PTS journey data into PTS spreadsheet

(later – PTS driver reimbursement and patient invoicing – Xero and bank account)

 

School Services

2-3 days per week – on-call for live school service problems (vehicle issues, liaison with schools about delays, issues with pupils/ parents etc)

 

Regular Services (Newton Stewart and Castle Douglas weekly; Ayr and Carlisle monthly)

2-3 days per week – on-call for live regular services problems (vehicle issues, liaison with passengers about booking issues etc)

 

Membership

Maintain member registration records

Process member registration reminders and renewals

 

Member Hires

Handle member hire enquiries

Produce member hire estimates

Book vehicles and drivers

2-3 days/ evenings per week – on-call to deal with live member hire issues

 

Vehicle maintenance

Maintaining vehicle maintenance log

Arranging 10-weekly safety checks

Arranging -as-required’ vehicle maintenance and repair with garage

Dealing with small maintenance tasks such as changing bulbs, touching up paint dings, lubricating doors etc

(later – maintenance and repair bills into Xero)

 

Community Car

Bookings, Maintenance (vehicle maintenance above)

 

Ebikes

Bookings, Maintenance, User support

 

Service scheduling

Entering and maintaining service data into Google Calendar

Entering service data into TicketSource booking system

Maintaining GCT’s presence in TicketSource

 

Publicity

Prepare copy for CatStrand brochure

Prepare copy for Glenkens Gazette

Posters for excursions and regular services as required

Publicity requirements for community car and ebikes still being developed

 

Website

Keeping GCT website up to date, including news, services, bookings etc

 

Other tasks

As necessary from time to time.