At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transport strategy and policy for West Northamptonshire, ensuring safe and efficient road networks.
- Company: Join West Northants Council, a dynamic team focused on community and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work culture with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a workplace that values every voice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by shaping transport solutions for the future.
- Qualifications: Experience in transport planning and strong project management skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.
The Highways and Transport Team delivers essential statutory services relied upon by all residents of West Northamptonshire. The team ensures the road network is safe, efficient, and effective, while setting strategic direction for the future of highway assets, public transport, and active travel for all road users. This role serves as the Council’s principal lead on transport strategy and policy. It supports the development of the Local Transport Plan (LTP) and oversees the monitoring and delivery of its interventions.
What will you be doing?
- Prepare, monitor, and implement the Local Transport Plan (LTP) and its supporting strategies, including the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans.
- Ensure these strategies remain effective, forward‑thinking, and aligned with wider council priorities.
- Scope and manage a range of transport studies, including appointing and overseeing external consultants where required.
- Act as the Council’s client lead for transport modelling, working closely with specialist consultants and internal teams to ensure accurate, up‑to‑date information on development proposals and network changes is reflected in the modelling process.
- Contribute to the development of a robust transport evidence base, ensuring that highway authority requirements are fully considered and any impacts are appropriately mitigated.
At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like‑minded people. Our vision is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality.
Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services. We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner.
Principal Highways and Transport Planning Officer employer: Highways Magazine
At West Northants Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures that every employee has the opportunity to thrive and develop their career in a supportive environment. With a focus on making West Northamptonshire a great place to live and work, we empower our team members to contribute meaningfully to the community while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Highways and Transport Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local transport and planning events, or join online forums where you can connect with industry professionals. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous projects related to transport planning and strategy. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table, especially when it comes to implementing effective transport plans.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies like West Northants Council through our website. Express your interest in future opportunities and share how your skills align with their mission to make the area thrive.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in transport planning and policy. We want to see that you’re not only passionate about the role but also knowledgeable about the challenges and innovations in the field. This will set you apart from other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Highways and Transport Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in transport planning and strategy. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Highways and Transport Planning Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for transport planning shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making West Northamptonshire a better place to live and work. Share any personal projects or initiatives that demonstrate your commitment to active travel and public transport.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, just like you’ll need to do in this role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the application process right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Highways Magazine
✨Know Your Local Transport Plan (LTP)
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Local Transport Plan and its supporting strategies. Familiarise yourself with the key objectives and recent updates, as this will show your genuine interest in the role and your understanding of the council's priorities.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to think strategically about transport planning. Discuss how you've previously scoped and managed transport studies or worked with external consultants, highlighting your leadership skills and innovative approaches.
✨Understand the Council’s Values
Get to grips with West Northants Council's values: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate, and Empower. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how they align with your personal ethos, as cultural fit is crucial for them.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their approach to active travel or how they measure the success of the LTP. It shows you're engaged and keen to contribute to their vision of making West Northants a great place to live and work.
