At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy to improve bus and road experiences for users across the UK.
- Company: Transport Focus, the independent watchdog for transport users in Britain.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, Civil Service Pension, hybrid working, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to making transport better for everyone.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by influencing national transport decisions and improving user experiences.
- Qualifications: Strategic thinking, collaboration skills, and a passion for turning insights into action.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Transport Focus is the independent watchdog for Britain's transport users. We ensure their voices are heard, their experiences matter, and their needs influence the decisions that shape our transport networks.
We are looking for a Head of Bus and Road Strategy to help us turn evidence and insight into meaningful action, bringing people, ideas, and expertise together to deliver better experiences for bus passengers and road users.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves connecting the dots, making sense of complex information, and turning good ideas into tangible improvements. You will play a leading role in shaping how we use evidence to influence change, working across our Bus and Road, Insight, Engagement, and Communications teams to ensure our research helps us do something about it.
You will lead the strategic application of important national evidence programmes, including Your Bus Journey and the Strategic Roads User Survey, identifying opportunities for improvement and helping colleagues and stakeholders translate findings into meaningful outcomes.
This role is about bringing people together, challenging thinking, creating momentum, and ensuring great ideas lead to real progress. You will help shape priorities, lead collaborative programmes, and build a culture where insight, action, and impact are genuinely connected. You will also have the opportunity to lead and develop colleagues, contribute to the wider leadership of our Bus and Road division, and help shape how Transport Focus delivers its ambitions during an exciting period of organisational change.
What you’ll bring:
- Turning insight into impact – using evidence, data, and intelligence to identify opportunities, shape priorities, and deliver measurable improvements.
- Strategic thinking with practical delivery – seeing the bigger picture while knowing how to translate ideas into action and results.
- Connecting people and expertise – bringing teams together, building shared ownership, and influencing outcomes across organisational boundaries.
- Making complex things simple – interpreting information, asking the right questions, and turning findings into clear, practical recommendations.
- A focus on continuous improvement – understanding what works, learning from outcomes, and helping successful approaches grow.
- Collaborative leadership – inspiring, developing, and motivating colleagues while creating a culture of accountability, curiosity, and shared success.
Experience in transport, public services, regulated environments, or customer-focused organisations would be valuable, but we are equally interested in your ability to think strategically, influence others, and turn evidence into meaningful change. You don’t need to be a technical data specialist; what matters is your ability to understand the story behind the evidence, recognise where opportunities exist, and bring people together to make improvements happen.
Why Transport Focus?
Because the work matters. You will have the opportunity to influence national conversations, shape how evidence informs decisions, and help improve the everyday experiences of millions of people who rely on Britain's bus and road networks. You will be joining an organisation with a clear purpose, talented colleagues, and an ambition to make an even greater difference for transport users.
We also offer a great benefits package, including:
- 30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Civil Service Pension Scheme, including Alpha, with a current employer contribution of 28.9%
- Hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week in the office
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
A place for everyone:
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we represent. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and want everyone to feel they can belong, contribute, and thrive at Transport Focus.
If you’re a strategic thinker, a natural collaborator, and someone who wants to see their ideas make a genuine difference, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help us turn insight into better journeys and experiences for Britain's transport users.
Head of Bus and Road Strategy in Manchester employer: TRANSPORT FOCUS
Transport Focus is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and inclusivity. With generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave and access to the Civil Service Pension Scheme, employees are empowered to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in Wales, this position allows you to make a meaningful impact on transport users while working alongside passionate colleagues dedicated to driving positive change in the transport sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Bus and Road Strategy in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Bus and Road Strategy in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for TRANSPORT FOCUS and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at TRANSPORT FOCUS
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with TRANSPORT FOCUS, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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