Job title: Principal Transport Planner (Policy)
Salary: £49,764 to £52,805
Hours: 37 p/w
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. The Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy sets out a bold ambition to create a city where you don’t need a car, and where everyone has an affordable, low carbon, healthy and accessible choice in how they travel.  

As the Principal Transport Planner, you will manage a team focussed on delivering the aims of the strategy through the development, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of highways infrastructure and transport projects, programmes, strategies and policies.

This is an exciting time to join our team as we seek to deliver on the ambitions of the Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy alongside a new West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan, Bus Reform & Mass Transit. 

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:

• A demonstrable record of achievement in the field of highways or transport planning that is relevant to the remit of the post.
• An ability to find innovative solutions to existing and future transport problems.
• Knowledge and experience of the latest developments in local transport policy and planning, including the current requirements for funding transport proposals.
• Ability to communicate complex issues clearly and succinctly both in writing and verbally.
• An ability to develop productive working relationships and to work with a range of stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes. 

About the role

As a Principal Transport Planner (Policy), you’ll thrive on helping to deliver sustainable transport solutions. You will manage a team whose remit is to develop and deliver sustainable transport schemes, strategies and policies for the city, utilising your understanding of sustainable transport planning tools and approaches. 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 O’Donoghue, Transport Planning Manager. Call 0113 3787500 or email david.odonoghue@leeds.gov.uk. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. 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. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, 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, candidates must consider their own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the 'standard' salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. For more information visit Skilled Worker visa on the government website. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job Purpose

To support the Transport Planning Manager in overseeing the work and delivery of the Transport Strategy section. Working as one of a team of Principal Transport Planners, to manage a team to successfully deliver a portfolio of transport projects and initiatives.

A key focus of the role will be to oversee and coordinate activities related to development of transport policies, projects and programmes, business cases, funding bids and disseminate expert knowledge throughout the team. 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.
• 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 and transport policies and strategies and contribute to the development of transport investment programme in accordance with corporate and transport policies.
• 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.
• To represent the service area and deputise for the Transport Strategy Manager as necessary.
• Contribute to the development of transport investment programmes in accordance with the corporate vision, WY Transport Strategy, and regional policies.
• 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.
• To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• 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.

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.

Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

• An ability to find innovative solutions to existing and future transport problems.
• 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.
• Ability to lead multiple projects / workstreams and efficiently handle conflicting deadlines and priorities.
• Ability to communicate complex issues clearly and succinctly both in writing and verbally.
• 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.
• Knowledge of the theory and practice of transport modelling and appraisal.
• Practical knowledge of highway and traffic engineering principles.
• Demonstrable experience in a transport planning, highways or traffic engineering role relevant to the duties of this post.
• Experience of conducting transport studies, applying appraisal techniques and monitoring methodologies.
• Experience of project/programme planning and the management of budgets and expenditure.
• Experience of project management, techniques, monitoring and reporting.
• Experience of the preparation of transport strategies and/ or associated policies and programmes.
• Experience of preparing briefs / specifications and understanding procurement processes.
• Experience of staff supervision and leading small teams.

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics  

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing
• Willingness to actively participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post.  Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.  

• Ability to use multi-modal traffic models and other specialist software relevant to the role.
• Knowledge of highway and traffic engineering and design.
• Experience of highways or traffic engineering design and procedures.
• Experience of the preparation of transport strategy and associated policies and programmes.
• Understanding of local government and experience of achieving results in a politically sensitive context.

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