Senior Policy Advisor in Leeds

Senior Policy Advisor in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 47185 - 57671 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead policy advice and develop evidence-based solutions for transport initiatives.
  • Company: Join the Department for Transport, shaping the future of transport in the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, 25 days leave, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on transport policies that affect millions every day.
  • Qualifications: Experience in leading projects and effective communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 47185 - 57671 £ per year.

  • Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 15th November 2026
  • Salary: £45,900 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

The Department for Transport is at the heart of some of the UK's most ambitious and high-profile initiatives, shaping the future of transport across the nation.

From major infrastructure projects and transport innovation to improving connectivity and supporting economic growth, our work impacts millions of people every day.

As part of our Policy Profession, you will join a supportive and collaborative community, providing trusted advice, developing evidence-based solutions and helping to deliver meaningful outcomes for citizens, businesses and communities across the UK.

As a Senior Policy Advisor, you are expected to work with a degree of flexibility, meaning responsibilities may change to support priority delivery.

  • Top Responsibilities
  • Leading policy advice for Ministers, other Government Departments (including Cabinet Office, No10 and HM Treasury) and senior officials, including but not limited to: Ministerial briefings, Parliamentary business, freedom of information requests and correspondence.
  • Supporting senior managers with policy creation/implementation.
  • Gathering information, including engaging with internal and external experts, and bringing it together to deliver high quality oral and written briefing.
  • Developing and maintaining good working relationships with departmental, cross-Government and external stakeholders to support policy development and delivery.
  • Making clear recommendations on complex questions, working with stakeholders in a fast-moving environment, managing ambiguity and handling the dynamics of multiple competing priorities.

For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.

  • Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
  • 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
  • 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
  • Access to the staff discount portal.
  • Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
  • Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
  • 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
  • Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About You

  • To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
  • Leading on discrete projects that support the delivery of a policy area by developing and taking forward your own initiatives.
  • Compiling, assimilating and interpreting evidence to inform policy making.
  • An effective communicator who can deliver important messages in a way which reflects the needs of different audiences.
  • Producing written work to required standard and tight deadlines.
  • This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 15th November 2026
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Senior Policy Advisor in Leeds employer: Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom

The Department for Transport is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Birmingham. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Join us to make a meaningful impact on digital governance and risk assurance within a supportive and forward-thinking team.

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Contact Details:

Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

✨Dive into Local Government Events

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

Policy Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Evidence-Based Analysis
Communication Skills
Project Management
Briefing Preparation
Written Communication

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.

Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.

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

✨Get to Know Public Sector Values

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✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge

Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.

✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration

The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!

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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom.