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- Tasks: Lead Active Travel England in transforming cycling and walking in transport systems.
- Company: Active Travel England focuses on improving air quality and health through better transport options.
- Benefits: Join a mission-driven organization with a significant budget and impactful projects.
- Why this job: Make a transformational impact on society while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in fast-paced environments, financial oversight, and corporate governance required.
- Other info: Experience in managing large budgets and strategic planning is essential.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Job Summary:
Active Travel England (ATE) works to transform the role that cycling and walking plays in our transport system.
Increasing cycling and walking can help tackle some of the most challenging issues we face as a society – improving air quality, combatting climate change, improving health and wellbeing, addressing inequalities and tackling congestion on our roads.
As an Executive Agency, commissioning body and inspectorate, ATE’s role is to improve the planning, design and quality of walking and cycling schemes, ensuring they are accessible for all.
Active Travel England is now entering a new phase, one that will see it strengthen and grow. As COO you will have a key role to play in this, ensuring the frameworks are there to succeed. It is a demanding role, but your impact will be transformational.
More information can be found here
Job Description
The COO is a critical leadership role and, along with the Chief Executive and other Executive Committee colleagues, will have responsibility for leading ATE and its people, performance, and overall budget (approx. £200m). More specifically, this role will be accountable for financial oversight, operational excellence and corporate governance and will oversee ATE’s corporate functions, including Finance, Performance, Risk & Assurance, Communications & Estates and Programme Management Office.
We are looking for an outstanding person to lead these functions. The successful candidate will have to be someone with proven experience of providing leadership within a fast-paced and ambitious organisation whilst also managing organisational complexities.
The roles and responsibilities for this position include:
- Serve as the principal advisor to the CEO on financial matters. Oversee the agency’s budget, manage finances, and safeguard public funds. Lead corporate services, driving efficiency and effectiveness across Finance, Governance, People, Communications, Commercial and performance.
- Lead change where required and drive continuous improvement. Drive the development of ATE’s future people and estates strategy, ensuring the right people are in place and ensuring the capability and capacity to deliver.
- Uphold and oversee appropriate governance arrangements and internal controls, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and financial standards.
- Manage ATE’s day-to-day budget (c£250m) and ensure robust financial systems are in place.
- Credibly and clearly represent ATE’s interests in discussion with the wider department.
Person Specification
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their experience and skills against the following essential criteria:
- Proven people leadership skills, with experience of setting the direction of an organisation, building and leading high performing teams, and with a strong background in effective governance, decision-making, internal control, and risk management.
- Proven leader in formulating, developing, and executing corporate strategy, with expertise in analysing the strategic economic and political landscape to translate complex objectives into actionable plans that drive long-term success.
- Skilled in leading corporate functions, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and achieving operational excellence through innovative solutions and strategic alignment.
- Strong experience of managing operational services at pace with an ability to work with stakeholders to make connections between policy intent and real-world situations.
- Experience of managing large budgets including forecasting, monitoring spend and delivering value for money.
- Excellent communicator with the ability to challenge and change the way things have been done in the past, take managed risks and drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
- Awareness of project and programme management tools and techniques to deliver desired outcomes
A finance qualification (CCAB, CIMA or equivalent) and/or HR qualification (CIPD or equivalent) is preferred but demonstrable experience overseeing these functions may be sufficient.
To apply or for more detail please visit
If you require more information on the role, please contact our search partner:
Chief Operating Officer employer: Active Travel England
Contact Detail:
Active Travel England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the current trends and challenges in active travel, particularly in cycling and walking. Understanding the broader context of ATE's mission will help you articulate how your leadership experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the transport and public sector. Engaging with individuals who have experience in similar roles can provide insights into the operational complexities and governance structures that ATE navigates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven change and innovation in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to lead high-performing teams and manage large budgets will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on relevant legislation and policies affecting active travel. Being knowledgeable about compliance and regulatory standards will show your commitment to upholding governance arrangements at ATE.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the COO position at Active Travel England. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight your leadership experience, financial oversight capabilities, and any relevant achievements in operational excellence. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage large budgets and lead high-performing teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for improving cycling and walking infrastructure. Make sure to connect your previous experiences with the goals of Active Travel England.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a finance or HR qualification, be sure to mention it prominently. If not, focus on your demonstrable experience in overseeing these functions, as this is also valued for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Active Travel England
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and set the direction for an organization. Highlight your experience in building high-performing teams and your approach to effective governance and decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since the role involves significant financial oversight, come ready to talk about your experience managing large budgets. Discuss your strategies for forecasting, monitoring spend, and ensuring value for money.
✨Communicate Your Strategic Vision
Articulate your understanding of the strategic economic and political landscape. Be ready to explain how you translate complex objectives into actionable plans that drive long-term success for the organization.
✨Emphasize Change Management Skills
Discuss your experience in leading change and driving continuous improvement. Provide examples of how you've successfully implemented innovative solutions and aligned corporate functions to achieve operational excellence.
