Jess McEwan

Manager Contracts was a role formed to uplift the Queensland Kinetic team in terms of compliance, service delivery, and key support on contract-related requirements.

In this role, I worked with the Executive General Manager, the Managing Director of Australia, and all depot teams across Queensland.

In this role, I was exposed to the idiosyncrasies of each region, and I understood the differential challenges they posed.

Working with managers of each depot, I supported and guided them on policy, reporting requirements, opened communication lines with managers, and assisted where needed.

Key takeaways

- Project rollout of new electronic ticketing systems through regional Queensland.

- Completing all outstanding deeds of variations for all business units.

- Creating annual reports and monthly reporting as per the contract's requirements.

- Assisting with network planning and submissions.

- Further expanding my knowledge of public transport contracts.

- Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.

- Managed risk by developing and implementing effective risk management strategies.

- Implemented process improvements, resultingin an increase in operational efficiency.

- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, industry standards.

- Analyzed business performance data and forecasted business results for upper management.

As the Manager of Kinetic Mackay, I gained experience and insight into all business management, alongside operational day-to-day management.

Leading a team of over 70 employees, service delivery, and safety were our key priorities.

Operating a network for public passenger transport, school transport, and mining/charter services, our operational team managed a 24/7 operation.

Living in regional Queensland, our customers are an important part of our business, and, in turn, service delivery and reliability were key to striving forward.

Key takeaways

- Managed business operations, accounts, invoicing, payroll, and cash flow to ensure profitability.

- Managed STAS and school transport operations, ensuring service viability.

- Delivered successful school transport services by focusing on safety and adaptability for family and business requirements.

- Effective rostering, scheduling, and fleet allocation.

- Managing customer feedback and complaints.

- Coordinated with Translink for improving school bus and public transport services.

- Directed the business's sales and charter division while negotiating large contract tenders.

- Assigned tasks to team members to fit skill levels and maximize team performance.

- Led team meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions to continuously improve performance.

- Conducted performance reviews for team members.

- Trained employees on additional job positions to maintain coverage of roles.

- Implemented quality control measures to uphold company standards.

- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, industry standards.