Senior Policy Advisor in Leeds

Senior Policy Advisor in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape transport policy and deliver impactful solutions for road users across England.
  • Company: Join a dynamic Civil Service team at the forefront of transport innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, 25 days leave, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent support for all staff.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working on high-profile projects.
  • Qualifications: Experience in regulatory policy, strong communication skills, and strategic thinking required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Location: Birmingham, Leeds, London (This role is suitable for hybrid working)

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

The Traffic and Technology Division sits at the forefront of shaping how people experience England’s roads every day. We deliver fast‑paced, high‑profile policy and digital services that directly influence the safety, efficiency and accessibility of the transport network. Our remit spans street signs, street works and parking policy‑areas that attract significant ministerial attention and public interest. Joining this team means working in a dynamic environment where your decisions help solve real problems for road users.

From leading on one of the largest regulatory reviews that the Department will be undertaking, focussing on traffic signs and directions, as well as contributing to the publication of the revised Manual for Streets, the work you lead will have tangible, meaningful impact on people’s lives across the country. In this role you will shape and deliver policy in the Division, working closely with policy colleagues in DfT and across Government, analysts, Ministers and Private Offices, and external partners in the transport sector. You will provide clear, timely advice and high‑quality briefings for Ministers and senior officials and support the development and implementation of traffic legislation and standards.

Top Responsibilities

  • Provide clear, timely advice, briefings and submissions to Ministers and senior officials, setting out evidence‑based options and recommendations, focusing on the review of The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.
  • Lead policy development to support the implementation and update of traffic management regulation and policy.
  • Plan and lead stakeholder engagement, building and maintaining effective working relationships with partners across DfT, wider Government and the traffic sector.
  • Lead on team planning and project management, ensuring products are delivered on time, to a high standard.
  • Adapt to changing business needs by reprioritising at pace and taking on new responsibilities where required.

About You

You will need the following experience:

  • Experience in regulatory policy development and delivering legislation.
  • Experience working collaboratively across multiple teams and with diverse stakeholder groups, building effective relationships to deliver shared outcomes.
  • Experience drafting clear briefings and submissions for senior audiences, synthesising complex evidence and setting out well‑reasoned conclusions.
  • Proven ability to think strategically and consider wider impacts when making recommendations.
  • Track record of working independently, prioritising effectively to meet tight deadlines while maintaining high‑quality outputs.
  • Experience adapting quickly to changing priorities, reprioritising at pace and delivering under pressure.

How to Apply

Read the full description and apply here: https://bit.ly/3QRUXoE

This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Monday 18th May 2026.

Senior Policy Advisor in Leeds employer: Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom

As a Senior Policy Advisor within the Traffic and Technology Division, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to enhancing the transport network across England. With a strong commitment to employee development, including access to professional qualifications and a generous pension scheme, our inclusive work culture promotes collaboration and innovation. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working in vibrant cities like Birmingham, Leeds, or London, while making a tangible impact on road safety and accessibility for all.
Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom

Contact Detail:

Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Advisor in Leeds

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Policy Advisor role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in traffic management and policy development. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and how you can contribute to shaping transport policies effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the job. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your answers.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to make a difference in the transport sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Advisor in Leeds

Regulatory Policy Development
Legislation Delivery
Stakeholder Engagement
Relationship Building
Briefing and Submission Drafting
Evidence Synthesis
Strategic Thinking
Prioritisation Skills
Project Management
Adaptability
High-Quality Output Maintenance
Collaboration Across Teams

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Policy Advisor. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.

Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples where you've developed regulatory policy or worked with stakeholders. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles, so don't hold back!

Keep It Clear and Concise: Your written application should be easy to read and straight to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your arguments are well-structured. Remember, clarity is key when drafting briefings for senior officials!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you'll find all the details you need to make your application shine!

How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom

✨Know Your Policy Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the current traffic management regulations and policies. Brush up on The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016, as well as any recent updates or reviews. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.

✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse stakeholders in the past. Think about specific instances where you built effective relationships to achieve shared outcomes. This is crucial for a Senior Policy Advisor, so be ready to discuss your approach and results.

✨Craft Clear Briefings

Practice drafting concise and clear briefings. You might be asked to summarise complex information during the interview, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will be key. Consider preparing a mock briefing on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to synthesise information.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Be prepared to discuss how you think strategically about policy impacts. Think of examples where your recommendations have had wider implications. This will highlight your ability to consider the bigger picture, which is essential for this role.

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