Principal Transport Planner (Policy) - REQ000198

Job title: Principal Transport Planner (Policy)
Salary: £48,474 to £51,515
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Merrion House, Leeds (hybrid working is offered)

Leeds is a fast developing, ambitious and growing city with a large programme of investment in major projects to improve sustainable transport, air quality and public health across the city. In 2021, Leeds adopted its Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy, which sets out our vision for Leeds to be city where you don’t need a car in which everyone has an affordable, zero carbon choice in how they travel.

The strategy also explains how we plan to tackle the climate emergency, deliver inclusive growth and improve health and wellbeing. Leading on the implementation of this strategy will be a key part of this role, which is essential to our future success as a city. Join our dynamic, multi-disciplinary team of professionals and contribute to creating a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly transport system for Leeds.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you
As a Principal Transport Planner (Policy), you will bring to the role:

An ability to develop productive working relationships and to work with a range of stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
Practical knowledge of the use and application of transport planning techniques and processes.
Detailed knowledge of the theory and practice of transport modelling and appraisal.
An ability to find innovative solutions to existing and future transport problems.
Ability to communicate complex issues clearly and succinctly both in writing and verbally.

About the role

As a Principal Transport Planner (Policy), you’ll thrive on helping to design and deliver sustainable transport solutions. You will lead on the development and delivery of sustainable transport schemes and policies for the city, utilising your understanding of sustainable transport planning tools and approaches, including transport modelling and appraisal. You will work with the Head of Transport Strategy, the Transport Planning Manager and the wider management team to supervise and develop the Transport Strategy team, disseminating your expert knowledge across the team. You will collaborate with a range of professionals in the Highways and Transportation service and the wider City Development Directorate to realise the three strategic pillars of the Council's Best City Ambition: health and wellbeing, zero carbon and inclusive growth. You will also work in partnership with the city's key partners across the region, including the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, to deliver a joined-up approach to transport solutions.

The role is integral to the work of our Transport Strategy team and to the delivery of the Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy.

What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply
Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact David Ellis, Principal Transport Planner (Projects). Call 0113 3367859 or email david.ellis@leeds.gov.uk.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Leeds City Council

Job Description

Directorate: City Development

Service Area Highways and Transportation

Job Title Principal Transport Planner (Policy)

Grade PO6

Job Purpose: To lead the development of transport policies, projects and programmes, and disseminate expert knowledge throughout the team. A key focus of the role will be to oversee and co-ordinate activities related to scheme appraisal, transport modelling, business case development and monitoring and evaluation. The post holder will be responsible for developing the expertise of the team in these areas, driving innovation and ensuring the team is aware of changes in best practice and national requirements.

Responsibilities:

To represent the Department and Council at the local, regional and national levels in connection with matters of transport policy and strategy.
To represent the service area and deputise for the Transport Strategy Manager as necessary.
Support the Transport Strategy Manager in the detailed organisation and administration of technical staff.
To work collaboratively with the Council’s partners to provide leadership and technical input to the development of future mobility solutions and technical transport leadership on planning and land use frameworks for the city.
To facilitate and advise on the development of measures to manage the effective operation of the transport system including the range of policy interventions available to manage mobility and transport accessibility.
Contribute to the development of transport investment programmes in accordance with the corporate vision, WY Transport Strategy, and regional policies.
The identification and development of new transport and mobility projects through an ability to identify, organise and analyse technical information and make evidence-based recommendations.
The preparation of project briefs for transportation studies, feasibility and design studies, overseeing the collection and analysis of data and other transportation related issues.
Procurement and supervision of transportation, highway engineering studies, consultancy contracts and commissions.
To take responsibility for managing and monitoring capital and revenue budgets.
Be responsible for risk management within the programmes and projects.
To provide support and advice concerning transport matters in support of the Council’s planning and highways functions, statutory duties, corporate initiatives and community renaissance and regeneration.
Promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and equality in all aspects of service delivery, community engagement areas, focussing on equality of outcome.
Within the service area to take responsibility for maintaining effective communications with staff, service users, councillors, trade unions, partners and other stakeholders in accordance with Council good practice.
To be accountable for the safety of staff, service users and contractors in accordance with the Department’s Health and Safety Policy.
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
To improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and appropriate CPD programmes.
To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Qualifications

A degree or equivalent level qualification and experience relevant to the role is an essential requirement.
A post graduate qualification in a relevant technical and/or management discipline and / or an appropriate professional qualification is a desirable but not essential requirement.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate

Skills Required

Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.
Ability to interpret corporate visions and values and put into practice through agreed policies and strategies.
Ability to contribute to change programmes, improve service quality and support culture that drives up standards and performance.
An ability to find innovative solutions to existing and future transport problems
Ability to communicate complex issues clearly and succinctly both in writing and verbally.
Demonstrable experience in a transport planning, highways or traffic engineering role relevant to the duties of this post.

Knowledge Required

Practical knowledge of the use and application of transport planning techniques and processes.
Knowledge of transport planning systems, practice and requirements and the funding of transport schemes and initiatives.
Detailed knowledge of programme and project management techniques and procedures.
Detailed knowledge of the theory and practice of transport modelling and appraisal.

Experience Required

Experience of conducting transport studies, applying appraisal techniques and monitoring methodologies.
Experience of programme planning and the management of budgets and expenditure.
Experience of project management, techniques, monitoring and reporting.

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

Ability to develop productive working relationships and to work with a range of stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
Ability to manage multi-disciplinary projects and staff teams.
Ability to provide leadership that commands respect, trust and confidence and which empowers colleagues and staff to achieve results.
Committed to continuous improvement.
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council Equal Opportunities Policy.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health & Safety Policies.
Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development
Understand and embrace our values, behaviours and codes of conduct.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

Skills Required

Ability to use multi-modal traffic models and other specialist software relevant to the role

Knowledge Required

Knowledge of highway and traffic engineering and design

Experience Required

Experience of highways or traffic engineering design and procedures.
Experience of the preparation of a Local Transport Plan/ strategy and associated policies and programmes.
Understanding of local government and experience of achieving results in a politically sensitive context.

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