Bus Franchising Procurement Evaluators (FTC / Secondment)

Application Deadline: 1 August 2026

Department: Corporate Delivery

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Remote

Reporting To: Matt Goggins

Compensation: £35,929 - £38,737 / year

Hours: 37 hours

Contract: Fixed Term / Secondment - 3 months

Salary: Grade 7 £35,929 - £38,737

Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role - Remote for Evaluation / On-Site for Moderation)

Help Deliver the Future of Bus Services Across South Yorkshire. South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is leading one of the largest and most ambitious public transport transformation programmes in the UK. We are looking for experienced professionals to join us as Procurement Evaluators, supporting the assessment of operator bids as part of the Bus Franchising procurement process. This exciting opportunity will allow you to use your professional expertise to help shape the future operation of bus services across South Yorkshire.

About the role:

• Undertaking robust and objective evaluation of procurement submissions.
• Reviewing evidence and making informed, defensible assessments.
• Preparing clear scoring commentary and evaluation reports.
• Participating in moderation and consensus meetings.
• Identifying risks, concerns and opportunities within submissions.
• Ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and governance requirements.
• Maintaining confidentiality and professional standards throughout the procurement process.

About you:

• Operations and service delivery
• Human resources and workforce planning
• Business resilience and continuity
• Fleet and engineering
• Property and depot management
• Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
• Health and Safety
• Environmental and sustainability management
• Timetabling and scheduling
• Public transport operations
• Customer experience and customer service
• Brand and communications management

Essential Requirements:

• Significant professional experience or subject matter expertise in a relevant discipline.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to assess complex information objectively.
• Excellent written communication and reporting skills.
• A methodical approach with strong attention to detail.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to meet demanding deadlines.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism.

Desirable Experience:

• Procurement or tender evaluation activities.
• Transport, infrastructure or public-sector organisations.
• Commercial assessment frameworks.
• Bus operations, public transport networks or franchising models.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a transformational public transport programme that will benefit communities, businesses and passengers across South Yorkshire. You’ll gain valuable experience working on a nationally significant procurement exercise, collaborating with experts from a wide range of disciplines while helping to deliver better bus services for the region. At SYMCA, we value Collaboration, Integrity, Ambition and Accountability and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Benefits:

• All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference.
• Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities.
• Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.
• Holiday Entitlement - From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme - The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.
• Hybrid working - Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles that are on-site full time.
• Flexible Hours Scheme - Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi Scheme which allows office-based employees flexibility and discretion over their working hours.
• Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.
• Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications.
• Professional Membership Fees - Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.

Diversity and Equality:

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment and will be considered subject to operation requirements.

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact recruitment@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.