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- Tasks: Lead strategic relationships and drive external engagement for Active Travel England.
- Company: Active Travel England, promoting safer and more accessible travel nationwide.
- Benefits: Generous pension contributions, flexible working, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities by enhancing active travel initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in local transport policy and strong stakeholder relationship skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to creating healthier, sustainable communities.
The predicted salary is between 69501 - 69501 £ per year.
Active Travel England (ATE) enables people nationwide to be more active by making streets safer and more accessible for walking, wheeling and cycling. As Head of External Engagement, you will lead strategic relationships with local authorities, mayoral combined authorities and senior partners across government, ensuring the right support is in place to deliver high-quality active travel outcomes.
As Head of External Engagement, you will lead stakeholder relationships for Active Travel England, coordinate regional teams, and support local authorities in delivering active travel schemes. You will drive external engagement, foster partnerships across government and local bodies, and ensure strategic objectives are met. Strong communication, coordination, and leadership skills are essential as you advance ATE’s mission for safer, healthier, and more sustainable communities.
Top Responsibilities
- Act as the main liaison on active travel issues, representing ATE in wider transport policy and government priorities such as decarbonisation.
- Provide trusted strategic advice to the Commissioner on stakeholder engagement, communications, and reputational matters.
- Lead accurate and tailored briefings and presentations in collaboration with policy, communications, and private office teams.
- Maintain strong relationships with key bodies including regional government departments, third sector organisations, and Mayoral Combined Authorities.
- Determine and coordinate ATE services for local authorities, including scheme design assurance, funding, and data requirements for monitoring and evaluation.
- Support governance and oversight through ATE’s PMO, reporting relevant issues to senior management.
- Monitor progress of schemes across a £4bn portfolio, recommending financial change control decisions and ensuring design compliance.
- Lead the External Engagement Team, managing regional responsibilities and the Commissioner’s speaking calendar to meet strategic objectives.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 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
You will have the ability to deal with uncertainty, keep in mind the bigger picture and look beyond the status quo to see how things could be improved. You will lead your teams to effectively deliver against ATE’s priorities whilst fostering a happy and supportive working environment for your team.
You will communicate clearly, honestly and persuasively with your team, ATE colleagues and external stakeholders whilst also welcoming their insights or constructive challenge. You will adopt a cross-organisation and cross-government perspective and ensure your team’s work reflects wider Government policy and where appropriate, challenges and improves delivery for the benefit of citizens.
Required experience:
- Experience of local transport to a senior level, either locally or nationally, with an understanding of local authority perspectives in developing transport policy and infrastructure.
- Experience of building effective relationships with senior external stakeholders.
- Experience of strategic delivery of key initiatives, projects, or policies across regions.
- Excellent communication and external relations handling skills.
How to Apply
Read the full description and apply at CS Jobs using the link provided. This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 5th April 2026.
Head of External Engagement in York employer: Department for Transport
Contact Detail:
Department for Transport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Engagement in York
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to Active Travel England. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make those valuable connections that could lead to your next opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ATE’s current projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested by discussing how your experience aligns with their goals for safer and more sustainable communities.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the team at Active Travel England.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Engagement in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of External Engagement. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the table, especially in building relationships and driving strategic initiatives.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to convey ideas clearly and persuasively. We love seeing examples of how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders in the past!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to emphasise your experience in local transport and stakeholder engagement. We’re looking for someone who understands the nuances of working with local authorities and can navigate complex relationships with ease.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, research the key stakeholders you’ll be engaging with as Head of External Engagement. Understand their roles, priorities, and how they align with Active Travel England's mission. This will help you demonstrate your ability to build effective relationships and provide tailored strategic advice.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've successfully communicated complex ideas to diverse audiences. Highlight instances where your clear and persuasive communication led to positive outcomes, especially in a transport or local authority context. This will showcase your fit for the role's emphasis on strong communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to talk about your experience in strategic delivery of initiatives or policies. Think of examples where you’ve looked beyond the status quo to improve processes or outcomes. This will illustrate your ability to keep the bigger picture in mind, which is crucial for this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and leadership style. Consider how you would handle challenges related to stakeholder engagement or project delivery. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills during the interview.