At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transport planning and shape the future of Devon's transport strategy.
- Company: Devon County Council, committed to climate action and community connectivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and help navigate exciting organisational changes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transport initiatives that improve lives and support economic growth.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and experience in transport planning.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Contact: For an informal discussion about the role, please contact jamie.hulland@devon.gov.uk
Region: England - South West
Location: Exeter (Devon)
Category: Transport planning
Closes: 13 Sep 2026
Fixed Term until 31st March 2027
Full Time 37 hours per week
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Devon County Council on a fixed-term placement until April 2028 as Transportation Strategy Manager leading our Transport Planning team – this is a pivotal role at a time of significant transformation.
Devon is delivering ambitious transport programmes that support climate action, inclusive economic growth and improved connectivity for our communities. These include major investment through Active Travel and Bus Service Improvement Plan funding, alongside significant rail and road infrastructure projects, following the delivery of the newly adopted Local Transport Plan.
As Transportation Strategy Manager, you will play a leading role in shaping transport planning through a period of Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution. You will help define the future transport function for the Devon area, guiding teams through change while maintaining delivery of key strategic priorities. Working closely with the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority and neighbouring authorities, you will build capability, strengthen partnerships and support the development of a cohesive and effective Local Transport Authority.
You will lead the delivery of the Local Transport Plan, advising on investment priorities while also having input to wider strategic transport initiatives, including lead transport involvement in the public - private sector joint delivery vehicle for the Marlcombe New Town in East Devon. Representing Devon at regional and national forums, you will influence decision-making to secure investment opportunities and help shape transport policy across the South West.
Leading a multidisciplinary team of transport professionals, you will provide clear direction and stability during a period of change. You will create an environment where colleagues feel engaged, supported and empowered to adapt to new ways of working while continuing to deliver excellent outcomes. You will provide expert advice to elected Members and senior officers, represent the Council in senior-level discussions, and oversee the work of consultants and external partners.
We are seeking a visible and collaborative leader with strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills and a proven ability to lead teams through organisational change. You will be confident operating in politically sensitive environments, building trust across organisations and communicating complex issues clearly to a range of audiences. Most importantly, you will be able to bring people with you through periods of uncertainty, fostering an inclusive culture that supports development, resilience and high performance.
If you are excited by the opportunity to lead strategic transport planning while helping shape a new organisational landscape, influence investment that improves lives and supports economic growth, and guide teams successfully through transformation, we would love to hear from you.
Interview Date: w/c 21/09/2026
DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon.
Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Transportation Strategy Manager in Exeter employer: Devon County Council
Devon County Council is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their teaching career in North Devon. With a strong commitment to employee development, the role of Cover Supervisor offers valuable training opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact on students' lives in a supportive and engaging work culture. Enjoy the benefits of working in a community-focused environment that values education and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transportation Strategy Manager in Exeter
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In transportation and logistics, hands-on experience is golden. If you're looking for a temporary position, don't just sit back; consider volunteering at local logistics companies or joining community transport initiatives. It’s a great way to gain industry insight and showcase your commitment!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring
Temporary roles in logistics often peak during busy seasons, like holidays or sales events. Keep an eye out for those hiring windows and brush up on your local networks. Joining industry groups on social media or attending local job fairs can be your golden ticket to snagging a role!
✨Show You’re Flexibly Awesome
Temporary roles often require quick adaptability, so make sure you highlight your flexibility and problem-solving skills in every discussion. When chatting with recruiters or at interviews, be ready to give examples of how you’ve quickly adjusted in past roles—this will help you stand out among other candidates.
✨Hit Us Up Directly!
Don't forget to apply through our website directly to see the freshest temporary opportunities available at Devon County Council! It’s always a good idea to follow up after submitting your application, just to show you’re keen on joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Transportation Strategy Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in transportation and logistics, it’s crucial to emphasise any previous experience in this field. Whether you've worked as a warehouse operative or in a delivery role, make sure you showcase those skills and experiences that will help you hit the ground running right away!
Focus on Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, your availability and flexibility are key. In your cover letter, be clear about when you can start and any scheduling flexibility you might have. Employers love candidates who can jump in without a hitch, so show off that readiness!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certificates related to logistics, like forklift licenses or health and safety training, don’t leave them out! These certifications can give you an edge, showing that you’re not just capable but also qualified for the job. Mention these in your CV to catch the hiring manager’s eye!
Tailor Your CV to Logistics Jargon:When crafting your CV, use industry-specific terms and jargon that reflect your understanding of transportation and logistics. Whether it’s ‘supply chain management’ or ‘route optimisation’, sprinkle these phrases throughout your CV and cover letter. This shows that you’re not just applying at random, but that you know the industry well!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
In the transportation and logistics field, demonstrating your knack for problem-solving can really set you apart. Be ready to talk about specific challenges you’ve faced in past roles or during your studies, especially those involving route planning or supply chain issues, and how you tackled them.
✨Get Familiar with Key Tools
This role will likely involve using industry-specific tools like SAP or Microsoft Excel for logistics management. Brush up on these tools before your interview and be ready to discuss how you've used them in the past – or how you'd approach using them if you're not familiar yet!
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this position is temporary, companies are keen on finding someone who can hit the ground running. Share examples from previous roles or projects where you quickly adapted to new processes or worked under tight deadlines to show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Understand Key Regulations
In the transportation and logistics sector, regulations play a huge role. Familiarising yourself with relevant laws and compliance standards can give you an edge. If you can drop in some specifics about how these impact logistics operations, it’ll show you're serious about the industry and that you can handle the responsibilities of the role with confidence.
