Job title: Transport Planning Manager

Salary: £58,605 to £64,262

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: Merrion House, 110 Merrion Centre, Leeds, LS2 8BB. Hybrid working available.

Leeds is the UK’s fastest growing city and is the main driver of a city region with a £70 billion economy and a combined population of 3 million. 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 Transport Planning Manager, you will lead in the delivery of this ambition, by managing the team in the development, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of highways infrastructure schemes, 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.  We are building on the progress of the past ten years when we have seen the completion of world class city centre gateways in City Square, the Corn Exchange, The Headrow and Park Row alongside the delivery of new cycle superhighways and public transport enhancements across the city. 

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 Transport Planning Manager, you will bring to the role:

• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• A demonstrable record of achievement in the field of highways or transport planning that is relevant to the remit of the post.
• Knowledge and experience of the latest developments in local transport policy and planning, including the current requirements for funding transport proposals.
• An ability to find innovative solutions to complex highways and transportation problems.
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of local government political systems and experience of working on politically sensitive issues.

About the role

As our next Transport Planning Manager you’ll lead and manage the Transport Strategy Group within the Transport Policy Section.  You’ll be responsible for the oversight of teams co-ordinating the development and delivery of the Local Transport Plan policies, the Connecting Leeds strategy, public engagement, policy development and forward planning. 

The post has responsibility for co-ordinating Highways and Transportation’s investment programmes and oversight of the group’s staff and resource budgets.

The role will require a positive contribution to support collaborative working initiatives across city development directorate, the City Council and West Yorkshire.

The role is an integral part of the Highways & Transporation senior management team with the opportunity to be involved in cross cutting initiatives on our response to the climate emergency, equality, diversity & inclusion, training & development and innovation.

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 Paul Foster, Head of Transport Strategy. Call 01133787518 or email paul.foster@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. 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. 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.

Job Description

Job purpose To lead and manage the Transport Strategy Group within the Transport Policy Section.  Responsible for the oversight of teams co-ordinating the development and delivery of the Local Transport Plan policies, the Connecting Leeds strategy, public engagement, policy development and forward planning. 

The post has responsibility for co-ordinating Highways and Transportation’s investment programmes and oversight of the group’s staff and resource budgets.

The role will require a positive contribution to support collaborative working initiatives across city development directorate, the City Council and West Yorkshire.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of programmes of strategic significance to the Council to deliver services in line with Council priorities.
• Responsible for the development and delivery of the service plan and drive continuous improvement initiatives through leading and contributing to cross Council projects.
• Lead and manage the staff and workload of the Transport Strategy services area to ensure efficient, high quality service delivery.
• Deputise for the Head of Service/Chief Officer as required and represent the Authority as lead officer for matters within the remit of the post.
• Oversee the development and co-ordination of integrated transport strategies and initiatives.
• Lead on the City Council’s contributions to the Local Transport Plan in liaison with the Combined Authority and local authority partners.
• Oversee the management of transport studies to test and evaluate strategies and scheme proposals, including the development of transport models and analytical tools.
• Prepare and present reports as required to senior officers, Council Boards, Combined Authority committees and working groups.
• Act as client in overseeing transport projects and monitoring the design process procured from both for internal and external service providers.
• Provide advice and guidance related to the work area and to other groups and bodies, particularly in terms of collaboration and liaison with West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan partners and such other arrangements the service may enter.
• Co-ordinate the transportation input and policy advice for regeneration and neighbourhood renewal areas within Leeds and funding bids for major and minor capital schemes.
• Promote awareness and knowledge of new developments related to the further development of the transport strategy for Leeds.
• Co-ordinate the development and implementation of the City Council’s transportation policies, including bus priority, cycling, pedestrian, access and social inclusion, freight, parking, transport’s environmental impacts and other policy topics.
• Oversee the provision of high quality transport data and intelligence in support of Council services and evidencing the local transport policies and programmes.
• Deal with queries from Elected Members, the public and the media, including presentations, briefings, interviews and reports as required.
• Work co-operatively with other sections in the department and Council to effectively respond to cross cutting issues within the Council as defined by the Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation working in collaboration with the Chief Planning Officer.
• Promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and equality in all aspects of your service delivery, community engagement and human resource 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 policies and best practice.
• To be accountable for the safety of staff, service users and contractors in accordance with the Departmental Health and Safety Policy.
• In line with the Budget Management Accountability Framework to be responsible and accountable for all financial resources within the service area ensuring value for money and working within financial regulations.
• Review and monitor the performance of services, systems, budget, teams and individuals against standards and agreed outcomes in a cost effective and flexible way that is responsive to a dynamic local, political and national context
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate to the grade.

Qualifications

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

Working Context - Post holders will work flexibly both at home and at various locations across the City and region. All colleagues should work in line with our hybrid working principles and spend regular time in the workplace to support service delivery, meeting the needs of the team and the requirements of their individual role.  The hours are worked mainly Monday to Friday. However, the post holder will be expected to work outside normal working hours, including attendance at evening/weekend meetings or events if required to meet the needs of the service.

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

• A demonstrable record of achievement in the field of highways or transport planning that is relevant to the remit of the post.
• Knowledge and experience of the latest developments in local transport policy and planning, including the current framework and requirements for funding transport proposals.
• Ability to interpret corporate visions and values and put into practice transport strategies and initiatives through agreed policies and strategies.
• Knowledge and experience of scheme appraisal and prioritisation processes in transport planning including the use of models.
• Knowledge and understanding of the planning, transport and highway legislation and regulations related to the duties of the post.
• Knowledge of the techniques for, role and purpose of, behavioural measures for influencing sustainable and safe use of the transport system
• Ability to find innovative solutions to complex highways and transportation problems.
• Ability to oversee major transport and highways investments and lead projects and staff teams from inception to completion.
• Able to demonstrate examples of managing services and achieving quality transformational outcomes. 

• Able to manage competing priorities, ensuring delivery on a range of programmes and adapting to changing circumstances. 

• knowledge of applicable, legislation, regulations, policies, inspections and performance information
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of economic strategy and policy, understanding of local government political systems and experience of working on politically sensitive issues. 

• Experience of senior leadership and management relevant to area of service delivery 

• Experience of strategic and operational resource management including the evaluation of competing priorities and managing accountabilities 

• Significant experience of leading change programmes, driving up standards and performance 

• Significant experience and commitment in relation to engagement in decision making processes. 

• Significant experience of developing productive working relationships with Council Members, trade unions and Corporate Leadership Team

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon 

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct 

• Be aware of promote and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection. 

• Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the behaviours, values and standards of Leeds City Council. 

• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures. 

• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies. 
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.

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