At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead projects to enhance Scotland's National Cycle Network and engage with local councils.
- Company: Join Sustrans, a charity dedicated to making walking and cycling easier for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 28 days leave, volunteer days, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and the planet while working in a fun, inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in transport planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement is essential.
- Other info: Applications close on 31 August 2025; interviews via MS Teams on 8th or 9th September.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 36000 £ per year.
Job Description
Network Development Manager, NCN Planning Scotland
£32,145 per annum (pro rata for part time hours)
Ref: 15REC
Full Time: 37.5 hours per week – happy to talk flexible working
Contract: Maternity 12 months contract
Base: Hybrid working from either Edinburgh, Glasgow or Newcastle Hubs
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to work with Sustrans as part of the Paths for Everyone Strategy to shape and develop the future vision for the National Cycle Network in across Scotland.
As Network Development Manager for NCN Planning, you will work closely with councils and partners to identify and initiate a range of projects that will fix and grow the National Cycle Network in Scotland. You will undertake and assist in the population of the project pipeline across Scotland by determining projects for investment, managing them through the feasibility stage and liaising with local authorities and other partners to agree design proposals.
Contributing to Paths for Everyone, your day-to-day work will involve dealing with network queries from the public, councils, and interest groups so you will build and manage internal and external relationships.
This role will require travel and work at locations across Scotland as necessary to undertake projects on behalf of Sustrans.
About you
You should have experience of transport planning or a related subject, effective negotiation skills and experience in working with stakeholders and the public sector.
You will be skilled in advocacy, project management and implementation. You will have the ability to research and produce reports, as well as being able to coordinate activities with the wider NCN team and across the organisation.
Sustrans has a long-term commitment to being a charity for everyone – reducing inequality, valuing diversity, enabling inclusion and ensuring all people are treated with dignity and respect. We aim to be a truly inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all parts of the community, in particular from under-represented groups.
What we offer
In return we can offer true hybrid working to suit individual circumstances and a flexible, supportive and rewarding working environment.
Wellbeing
- 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time working
- Ability to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff)
- Staff volunteer days
- 24/7 free, impartial and confidential support service
- We are members of the Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme who both offer cycle to work schemes
Financial
- Group Personal Pension scheme with a 6% or 7% of basic salary contribution being matched by Sustrans
- Bike, computer and season ticket loans
- Discount benefits
- London Weighting Allowance of £4,530 for all those living within a London Borough (32 local authority districts plus the City of London)
- Death in Service benefit – 3 x annual Salary
Family Friendly
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday – Friday)
Additional information
- Closing date for the receipt of completed applications is 23:59, 31 August 2025.
- Interviews will take place via MS Teams on the 8th or 9th September 2025
About Sustrans
At Sustrans you'll be part of a movement to make it easier for people to walk and cycle.
We're all here to change things! You’ll be part of an incredible community of talented, passionate, creative, problem solvers all working together to change things for the better. We act locally and think big – we have a vision of a society where the way we travel creates healthier places and happier lives for everyone.
You'll be questioning the status quo and daring to imagine a different world. You'll work on exciting, impactful projects that will stretch and empower you and you'll be rewarded by seeing the difference you make to people, communities and the planet.
We believe including everyone is central to who we are and what we want to achieve, we welcome difference and pride ourselves on creating a culture where you can be yourself and where your wellness is supported.
You'll be guaranteed to make friends for life and work with a team that is incredibly flexible, supportive, ethical and fun.
Network Development Manager, NCN Planningvvvv employer: Sustrans
Contact Detail:
Sustrans Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Development Manager, NCN Planningvvvv
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Sustrans' 'Paths for Everyone' strategy. Understanding their vision and current projects will help you align your experience and ideas with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in transport planning and local councils. Attend relevant events or webinars to build relationships that could give you insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experiences in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships and navigated challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your advocacy skills by being prepared to discuss how you would engage with the public and interest groups. Think about strategies you could use to effectively communicate and gather feedback on network projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Development Manager, NCN Planningvvvv
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in transport planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in advocacy and negotiation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainable transport and how your values align with Sustrans' mission. Mention your understanding of the National Cycle Network and how you can contribute to its development.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your ability to research and produce reports, as well as your experience in managing projects through feasibility stages. Highlight any previous work with local authorities or community groups.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sustrans
✨Research Sustrans and the Role
Before your interview, take some time to understand Sustrans' mission and values, especially their commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Familiarise yourself with the National Cycle Network and the specific projects they are involved in, as this will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Questions
Given the importance of working with councils and partners, be ready to discuss your experience in stakeholder engagement. Prepare examples of how you've successfully negotiated or collaborated with various groups, highlighting your effective communication skills.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
As a Network Development Manager, you'll need strong project management abilities. Be prepared to discuss past projects you've managed, focusing on your approach to feasibility studies, design proposals, and how you coordinated activities with teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Advocacy Skills
Advocacy is key in this role, so think of instances where you've effectively advocated for a cause or project. Share how you approached these situations, the strategies you used, and the outcomes, as this will illustrate your ability to influence and drive change.