Franchising and Bus Reform Officer

Directorate: Housing, Regeneration and Operations

Section: Transport Connectivity

Location: Civic Centre

Grade: Level 7

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract type: Fixed Term – 12 months

This advert is open to both internal and external applicants.

About us:

We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on Trent City Council is more than just a job, it's about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. And that’s where you come in. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset and most valuable resource. The skills, knowledge and experience of our c.4,600 employees are essential to delivering our ambitions and vision for our organisation and Stoke-on-Trent. We want to be an employer that people are proud to work for, and where our staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them to excel and to deliver the high-quality services that our residents need.

Further information on the Council and our directorates

The Role:

Transport is changing in Stoke-on-Trent, and we're looking for someone who wants to be a part of that journey.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Transport Connectivity team at a time of significant investment and change. We're delivering an ambitious programme of improvements to help people move around the city more easily, support economic growth, improve connections, and create places where communities can thrive.

As our Franchising and Bus Reform Officer, you'll support the Local Transport Delivery Manager to shape transport policy, be part of the development of future programmes and experience the journey to turn ideas into deliverable projects. You'll work with colleagues across the Council, elected members, transport operators, and regional partners to support the delivery of meaningful improvements across the region. We are looking for someone who is keen to get involved with the future of transport policy and delivery, working with consultants and colleagues to develop and support studies including bus franchising across our city. It is early days for this change, but we want to be prepared for the journey.

In return, you'll be part of a supportive team, enjoy a varied and rewarding role, and have the chance to be part of making a difference to the future of Stoke-on-Trent transport network. Whether it's helping to develop policy or supporting the delivery of projects that improve everyday journeys, you'll be helping to shape how our city grows and connects for years to come. If you're motivated by challenge, collaboration, and the opportunity to be part of this exciting journey, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information on the role, please contact the Recruiting Manager Zoe Batkin, Zoe.Batkin@stoke.gov.uk

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and project manage bus franchising pilot studies, ensuring high-quality, timely and cost-effective delivery of consultancy outputs

• Drive the development and implementation of transport strategies, policies and masterplans, including statutory transport planning documents and performance frameworks

• Lead future transport projects arising from pilot studies, including preparation for potential Bus Franchising Assessments

• Build and maintain effective relationships with bus operators, community groups, government bodies and other stakeholders to support transport initiatives and programme delivery

• Oversee commissioning, procurement and contract management activities, ensuring value for money, contractual compliance and clear communication of complex transport strategies to senior stakeholders

About You:

• A degree in transport planning, project management, engineering, economics, or a closely related field or have substantial, demonstrable experience in a comparable transport-focused role

• Knowledge of transport modelling and/or using GIS tools

• Good knowledge of the delivery of bus services in a public sector environment

• Experience of working in a highly open and collaborative manner with a wide range of stakeholders, transport operators and council officers to achieve outcomes that deliver the Councils priorities, plans and strategies

• Strong organisational and project management skills, including experience managing external consultants

• Ability to interpret transport data, including patronage, accessibility and service performance

• Experience of using this evidence to support service design or recommendations

What we offer:

• A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent

• Hybrid and flexible working options

• An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme

• Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes

Further information on our Rewards and Benefits can be found here

Pre-Employment Checks:

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre-employment checks. These may include:

• Right to Work in the UK

• Proof of address

• Satisfactory references

• Occupational Health Clearance

• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations

• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role)

The Council will not accept any speculative CVs from employment agencies.

No agency terms and conditions accompanying any such CVs will be accepted by the Council.

Any unsolicited information sent by an employment agency will be treated as the property of the Council.

Please note that if an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy their application will receive priority. If this happens you will be advised accordingly.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.

To Apply

Please create / log into your account and then click 'apply'. If you have any queries or want an application form in another format, please email recruitment@stoke.gov.uk or call us on 01782 238189.

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