Head of Bus Franchising Network Development in Birmingham

Overview

Transport for West Midlands, the transport arm of the West Midlands Combined Authority, is recruiting a Head of Bus Franchising Network Development for a 2‑year fixed‑term contract to support the procurement and mobilisation of the franchised bus network.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the development of the franchised bus network for the West Midlands; set the strategic direction for network design and determine the services to be procured through franchising, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives of the Local Transport Plan.
• Ensure an affordable network is provided within the franchise programme within available financial resources, working closely with the bus and commercial teams through each phase of franchising.
• Provide senior professional assurance for the longer‑term viability of the network, customer satisfaction, accessibility requirements and wider strategic objectives of the Authority, embedding these at the earliest stages of network planning and development.
• Shape contracts to align with the procurement strategy, providing strategic direction and assurance for service schedules, procurement documentation and evaluation of tender submissions.
• Lead the development of an operational performance framework required to manage franchised services effectively, and facilitate a planned and supported handover to the TfWM Bus Team after each tranche of procurement.
• Act as a senior industry leader, engaging nationally with other Combined Authorities and transport authorities, government teams and departments, and industry representatives, leaders and partners to share best practice and contribute to the development of bus franchising policy and practice.

Essential Criteria

• Experience of strategic leadership, governance and risk management in transport operation and/or delivery of large‑scale transport programmes.
• Senior experience in bus operations, bus network development, service delivery and an understanding of franchising management.
• Experience of strategic planning, option appraisals and decision making in a public sector and/or regulated environment.

Contract and Location

• Fixed‑term contract: 2 years.
• Location: 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD. At least 2 days a week spent in the office.