At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in planning transformative mass transit projects for West Yorkshire.
- Company: Join the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, shaping a sustainable transport future.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, free travel, flexible working, and a modern office near Leeds Station.
- Why this job: Be part of a major project that impacts communities and drives economic growth.
- Qualifications: Master's degree or equivalent experience in transport planning required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and support for applicants with disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 48784 - 62478 £ per year.
£56,481 per annum (pay award pending) - Grade 10
Leeds / Hybrid Full time / Permanent - 37 hours per week
Closing date – 21 April at 23:55
Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share.
Transport is central to the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s vision of creating a well-connected, safe, and sustainable region, as outlined in the West Yorkshire Plan. In this role, you will play a key part in the West Yorkshire Mass Transit programme, the region’s largest transport project in decades. This ambitious project will be transformative for the North, helping our communities to thrive and our economy to grow, while creating lasting opportunities and prosperity for future generations. The development of the entire network will be a long-term project delivered in phases, making now the perfect time to join us in building a better transport system for the West Yorkshire region.
West Yorkshire is a rapidly evolving region, and we are actively investing in major transport projects aimed at promoting a cleaner, greener and better-connected region through sustainable travel. Reporting directly to the Head of Service, our new Senior Mass Transit Planner will lead a small Planning team of up to three staff members for the Mass Transit portfolio, managing the specification and execution of large-scale transport planning projects. You will serve as a specialist advisor to a range of stakeholders, providing technical transport planning expertise in the development of business cases, and overseeing the successful development and approval of potential Mass Transit routes.
Our Offer
- 28 days Annual Leave (increasing upon years of service) plus Bank Holidays
- Generous Employer-Contribution Pension Scheme
- Free Travel on rail and buses across West Yorkshire with the M-Card (Zones 1-5)
- Flexible Working Practices with Health & Wellbeing initiatives, including agile working options, as well as a generous flexi-time scheme to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals.
- Bright, airy, modern office space, with all latest technology, just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station.
The Role
Reporting into the Head of Service – Transport Planning and Appraisal Mass Transit, your key responsibilities will include:
- Lead the Transport Planning team for the Mass Transit portfolio with the specification and management of transport planning projects. Oversee the successful development and approval of potential Mass Transit routes.
- Provide advice and support to colleagues and assist in the development of business opportunities, including responsibility for the technical development of colleagues, providing on-the-job coaching and mentoring.
- Act as a specialist advisor to a range of staff, inputting technical transport planning elements into the production of business cases.
Please review the Role Profile on our website for more information about the responsibilities.
About You
You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:
- A strong practical understanding of traffic models and business case development, along with a deep knowledge of key guidance documents.
- Managing business relationships with multiple senior stakeholders, including representatives from His Majesty’s Government, demonstrating commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
- Educated or experienced to master’s degree / postgraduate professional qualification level, or relevant demonstrable practical experience.
- Extensive practical experience of successfully performing in a similar role with experience in complex transport planning and project delivery.
- Experience working in a pressured political environment to deliver successful project and programme outcomes, balancing value for money for public funds with quality commercial outcomes and benefits realisation, including a significant understanding of business case assurance.
To Apply
If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on this page for support in completing your application form.
Further Information
The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.
Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met.
Please note that whilst it is our policy to recruit at SP1 for all appointments, which is the salary stated above, each role includes career salary progression, with incremental increases applicable in most cases on an annual basis.
Senior Mass Transit Planner employer: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Contact Detail:
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mass Transit Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the West Yorkshire Mass Transit programme and its objectives. Understanding the vision behind this ambitious project will help you articulate how your skills can contribute to its success during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the transport planning field, especially those involved in similar projects. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders, which could give you an edge in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with traffic models and business case development in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex transport planning challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the key guidance documents related to transport planning that are relevant to the role. Being knowledgeable about these resources will demonstrate your commitment to the field and your readiness to take on the responsibilities of the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mass Transit Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Mass Transit Planner position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, clearly articulate why you are a great fit for the role. Highlight your relevant experience in transport planning, your understanding of traffic models, and your ability to manage relationships with senior stakeholders.
Align Your Skills with the Requirements: Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the specific requirements mentioned in the job profile. Use examples from your past work to demonstrate how you meet these criteria, particularly in complex transport planning and project delivery.
Review and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to review and edit your documents. Check for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Combined Authority
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of the Senior Mass Transit Planner role. Familiarise yourself with the Mass Transit programme and how it fits into the broader vision for West Yorkshire's transport system.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with traffic models and business case development. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully applied your technical knowledge, as this will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the team.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Given the importance of managing relationships with senior stakeholders, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex negotiations or influenced decision-making. This will show your commercial acumen and ability to work in a pressured environment.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Skills
As you'll be leading a small team, it's crucial to convey your leadership style and how you mentor and develop colleagues. Prepare examples that illustrate your ability to coach others and foster a collaborative working environment.