Head of Bus Franchising Network Development

Head of Bus Franchising Network Development.

It is an exciting time at Transport for West Midlands, the transport arm of the West Midlands Combined Authority, as the region develops and delivers a franchised bus network. To support the procurement and mobilisation of the network we are recruiting for the new position of Head of Bus Franchising Network Development on a 2 year fixed term basis.

Working in the Integrated Transport Services Directorate leading the Bus Reform (network) Client Team providing strategic leadership, the role is critical to supporting the effective delivery of this complex Programme and Mayoral priority.

What you will be doing:

• You will provide strategic leadership for the development of the franchised bus network for the West Midlands, setting the strategic direction for network design and determining the services to be procured through franchising, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives of the Local Transport Plan.
• You will ensure that an affordable network is provided within the franchise programme within financial availability, as each phase of franchising is delivered working closely with the bus and commercial teams.
• You will provide senior professional assurance to ensure the longer-term viability of the network, customer satisfaction, accessibility requirements and wider strategic objectives of the Authority are embedded at the earliest stages of network planning and development.
• You will help shape the contracts to be fully aligned with the procurement strategy, providing strategic direction and assurance for service schedules, procurement documentation and the evaluation of tender submissions.
• Working closely with the bus and commercial teams you will also provide strategic leadership on the development of the operational performance framework required to manage franchised services effectively and will ensure a planned and supported handover to the TfWM Bus Team following each tranche of procurement.
• You will act as a senior industry leader, engaging nationally with other Combined Authorities and transport authorities, Government teams and departments, and industry representatives, leaders and partners to share best practice and contribute to the development of bus franchising policy and practice.

What’s essential:

• As the successful candidate you will have experience of strategic leadership, governance and risk management in transport operation and / or delivery of large-scale transport programmes.
• You will have or gain enough senior experience in bus operations, bus network development, service delivery and gain an understanding of franchising management.
• Ideally you will have experience of strategic planning, option appraisals and decision making in a public sector and/or regulated environment.

This role is a Fixed Term Contract for a duration of 2 years

Please refer to the job description for further details of the Essential and desirable criteria for the role.

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Our Values and Behaviours.

Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.

• Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
• Driven - Focussed on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands.
• Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive.
• Innovative- We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).