At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative transport initiatives and shape sustainable solutions for the west of Scotland.
- Company: Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, a key player in regional development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of circa £185k and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Diverse organisation welcoming candidates from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transport innovation and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in transport, infrastructure, or economic development with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 185000 - 185000 £ per year.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) is seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Chief Executive at a pivotal moment for transport, infrastructure and regional economic development in the west of Scotland. Serving a population of more than 2.2 million people, SPT is the largest Regional Transport Partnership in Scotland and plays a central role in shaping how the region connects, grows and transitions to a more sustainable future. We are an engaging partner with Glasgow City Region but our focus goes beyond that into Ayrshire and Argyll & Bute.
This is not a conventional Chief Executive role. This is a role that operates at system level. As Chief Executive, you will lead an organisation with responsibilities spanning:
- Strategic transport planning and policy.
- Major infrastructure and capital programme delivery.
- Operation of the Glasgow Subway, bus stations and supported services.
- Partnership working across government at all levels, industry and communities.
- Delivering transformation at scale.
You will lead SPT through a period of significant transformation. This includes:
- Delivering major infrastructure programmes and investment.
- Supporting the development and delivery of initiatives such as Clyde Metro and Strathclyde Regional Bus Reform.
- Accelerating progress towards Net Zero and sustainable transport solutions.
- Responding to changing patterns of demand and customer expectation.
You will be expected to balance long-term strategic ambition with operational excellence, ensuring that critical services are delivered safely, reliably and effectively every day. The passenger is our key focus.
Leading in a complex and high-profile environment, this role sits at the intersection of policy, delivery and public accountability. You will work closely with:
- Elected members across 12 local authorities.
- Scottish Government Ministers and senior officials.
- Transport operators, delivery partners and regulators.
- A wide range of public and private stakeholders.
You will bring the credibility, judgement and resilience required to operate confidently in a highly political and scrutinised environment. It is likely that you will come from transport, infrastructure, economic development, regulated sectors or other complex public or private environments where leadership at scale is essential.
This is your opportunity to shape the future of transport across the west of Scotland and play a central role in delivering long-term economic, social and environmental outcomes. We are a diverse organisation, and welcome candidates from any background – if you have the right skills for the job we want to hear from you.
To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a covering letter (no longer than two pages), outlining your relevant skills and experience for the role, by Sunday 03 May 2026.
For a confidential, informal discussion about the role please contact Fizza Islam, LHH at +44 (0)141 220 6460.
Chief Executive in Glasgow employer: Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
Contact Detail:
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
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Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We suggest mentioning something specific from the interview to remind them of your conversation.
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Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Chief Executive role. Highlight your leadership experience in transport, infrastructure, or economic development, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that align with SPT's goals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be no longer than two pages, so get straight to the point! Use it to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for leading SPT through its transformation. Be sure to mention your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the transport sector.
Showcase Your Strategic Vision: In both your CV and cover letter, demonstrate your strategic thinking and vision for the future of transport in the west of Scotland. Discuss how you would balance long-term ambitions with operational excellence, as this is key for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to shape the future of transport!
How to prepare for a job interview at Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport's mission and current projects. Familiarise yourself with their strategic transport planning and major infrastructure initiatives like Clyde Metro. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading complex organisations, especially in transport or infrastructure. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated political environments and delivered transformation at scale, as this is crucial for the Chief Executive role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach partnership working across various levels of government and with different stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your strategies for building relationships and collaborating effectively, as this will be key in a role that requires public accountability.
✨Balance Vision with Operations
Be prepared to talk about how you can balance long-term strategic ambitions with the day-to-day operational excellence required in this role. Share specific instances where you've successfully managed both aspects, ensuring critical services are delivered reliably.