Principal Transport Strategy Officer (LTP5)

Overview

If you love making things happen and shaping the future of transport, then this is the role for you. This is a principal level role in the Transport Strategy team, which aims understand the future transport needs of the Council and what strategies and policies we will need in place in order to innovate and continue to deliver a better travel experience for all our customers. You will be managing the development of our next Local Transport Plan (LTP5) and ensure its alignment with our new Local Plan for Buckinghamshire. This involves working with teams across the Council to develop new policies and strategies; providing evidence for them and advising our decision makers; and engaging with stakeholders to achieve local support.

About us

The Transport Strategy & Funding team works to understand future travel trends and develops our transport priorities for the future. This is a small team which undertakes analysis using travel data, traffic modelling, and the results of local surveys to identify what we need to put in place now to allow us to innovate and adapt to future travel demands. Although a small team, its function is critical to the delivery of the Council’s transport priorities and influencing partners to help us achieve them.

We really want everyone to love what they are doing and feed their passion for transport and delivery.  Personal and professional development as well as a work/life balance are important to us, with the Council offering flexible working arrangements.

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

About the role

It is an exciting time to work for Buckinghamshire’s Transport Strategy Team due to the unique opportunities on offer. 

Some of the key tasks which the Principal Transport Strategy Officer will be expected to undertake are as follows:

• Lead the development of Local Transport Plan 5 and contribute to the preparation of technical documents associated with this.
• Project manage the delivery of all aspects of the Local Transport Plan and Local Plan for Bucks Transport Evidence base.
• Lead the commissioning of technical studies and strategy development and be responsible for the management of the consultant/client interface.
• Provide strategic transport planning professional advice, guidance and support to a range of internal and external customers / stakeholders.
• Effective line management of a small team of transport strategy officers.
• Lead on transport modelling activity (technical work outsourced to Atkins) within the Council, so will need to have awareness of TAG and associated methodology.
• Undertake research and consultations to inform recommendations and decision making within the Service. 
• Collate, process and analyse complex information, recommending, developing and implementing solutions/interventions.

Any-Desk:

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

About you

As the Principal Transport Strategy Officer you will support the Transport Strategy Manager in developing the County’s future transport policies, supporting growth and development within Buckinghamshire. With partnership working and local/political support being the key to success, you should be enthusiastic and confident in engaging with and influencing strategic partners and customers to ensure positive strategic outcomes.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has relevant experience in a senior transport strategy or policy role.
• Has expert knowledge and understanding of transport policy guidance and legislation at appropriate at national and local levels.
• Has good experience of utilising transport modelling data within a wider evidence base to support policy development.
• Is an experienced line manager, demonstrating ability to support, develop and motivate others.
• Can build strong relationships, influence and engage successfully with colleagues, partners and customers at all levels.
• Uses initiative and demonstrates strategic and political awareness in problem solving and decision making.
• Has excellent communication, persuasion and negotiating skills.
• Has experience of commissioning and managing contracted services.
• Has a relevant degree or substantial experience.

Other information

This is a 3-year fixed term position, Grade 9.

We will consider part time working arrangements and can also offer training.

Closing date: midnight Wednesday 3rd July 2024.

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

Transport Strategy is part of the wider Transport Strategy & Funding Team within the Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate. This directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, climate change and environment, strategic transport and property.

Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.

Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.

It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. We also offer a salary sacrifice personal car lease scheme to those who are eligible and have passed their probation period. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/