Head of Traffic Signals Technology & Design

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is looking for an experienced leader to shape the future of traffic signal and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) technology across one of the UK's fastest-growing regions. This is a unique opportunity to lead the development of the regional traffic signal network that keeps the West Midlands moving. As Head of Traffic Signals Technology and Design, you'll drive the strategic direction of traffic signals, network management systems and ITS, ensuring they support safer, smarter and more reliable journeys for everyone who travels across the region.

This role offers two exciting opportunities:

• Lead the development and modernisation of traffic signal and ITS technology, working closely with local authorities and regional partners to deliver innovative solutions that improve network performance and support major transport initiatives, including bus franchising.
• Lead and develop an established team that is set to grow significantly over the coming years, creating the capability needed to deliver the region's ambitious transport plans.

You will provide expert technical leadership, influence key stakeholders and oversee the delivery of traffic signal projects across a range of transport and infrastructure programmes. Your expertise will help shape policies, standards and investment decisions that improve network resilience, optimise traffic flow especially for public transport and enhance the experience of all road users.

This is an exciting time to join Transport for West Midlands. With major investment in the region's transport network and the introduction of bus franchising, traffic signal and ITS as a network management tool has never played a more important role in supporting reliable, efficient and sustainable travel.

Please note: This role is subject to a Basic DBS check/vetting. If you do not currently hold one, you must be willing to undergo the check as part of the pre-employment screening process.

What You Will Be Doing

• Manage and lead the traffic signals technology design team.
• Provide strategic planning and decision-making expertise.
• Lead the approach regarding how TfWM directly controls and coordinates traffic network management, with a focus on public transport.
• Lead the development of network management plans for the Key Route Network and key bus corridors.
• Subject to funding, develop, lead and deliver a specialist technical programme for the region's traffic signal apprentices.
• Prepare and deliver briefings, reports and presentations for key stakeholders.
• Lead all traffic signal design to ensure designs are fit for purpose and meet national standards.
• Manage budgets and resources.
• Identify funding opportunities and prepare funding applications.

What's Essential

• Proven track record in delivering complex, city wide traffic engineering solutions.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects and programmes with significant budgets.
• Proven experience of managing traffic signal networks and urban traffic control systems to deliver successful network performance.
• Proven experience of developing and leading teams.
• Proven experience of establishing and managing complex contracts.
• Demonstrable experience in communication at a senior level.
• Demonstrable knowledge of Health and Safety responsibilities associated with traffic management schemes.
• Educated to degree or HNC/HND or equivalent in Civil Engineering or other relevant discipline.
• Technical qualification in Traffic Engineering.

Location

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

Salary And Benefits

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme.
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.
• You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home. We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Our Values and Behaviours

• Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
• Driven - Focused on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands.
• Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive.
• Innovative - We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future.

Creating an inclusive workplace

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We're a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria. We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional 'perfect candidate' mould. We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying.

Reasonable adjustments

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application. Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).