Principal Travel Officer

The Highways and Transport Team provide statutory services that all residents of West Northamptonshire use. The team is responsible for providing a safe road network that operates efficiently and effectively, providing strategic direction for the future development of highway assets, public transport, active travel and all road users, being mindful of budget constraints, legislation and the sustainability agenda. The team also fulfils the County’s duty to ensure the safe travel of eligible students to school.

The role exists to be the Council’s senior officer and technical expert in sustainable travel promotion, behaviour change and improvement. They will have a passion about sustainable transport and environmental sustainability, and the ability to drive change and inspire others. They will help to formulate the Council’s policies around sustainable and active transport and lead on the delivery of some of these, as well as supporting the delivery of the Council’s statutory responsibilities with respect to sustainable transport.

You can also see our full list of employee benefits on our careers site here: Why you should work for us | West Northamptonshire Council.

As our Senior Sustainable Transport Officer, you will lead and inspire a small, dedicated team to champion sustainable and active travel across West Northamptonshire. You’ll motivate and mentor colleagues, setting the standard by example while ensuring all activity aligns with the objectives of the Sustainable Travel Team.

In this role you will drive forward strategic plans, supporting the delivery of the Local Transport Plan and overseeing the development and implementation of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans. You’ll make sure these plans connect seamlessly with wider initiatives such as the Bus Service Improvement Plan, strengthening the sustainability and efficiency of the local bus network.

You will also take the lead in shaping behaviour change programmes that encourage residents to choose sustainable transport. Working closely with stakeholders, you’ll design and deliver effective initiatives, while managing the review, agreement and monitoring of travel plans secured through planning obligations.

Budget management will form a key part of your role, as you oversee funding for sustainable transport improvements and initiatives, including contributions from Section 106 agreements and other external sources. Alongside this, you will manage procurement activities, commissioning consultants for plan development and feasibility studies, overseeing Bikeability training, and leading other contracts as needed to achieve our vision for greener, safer and more connected travel.

You need in-depth knowledge of sustainable and active travel planning, relevant legislation, and recognised best practice, together with a clear understanding of how local government fulfils its responsibilities in this area.

You will have a strong grasp of the role of travel plans and the practicalities of implementing sustainable travel and behaviour change policies effectively.

A good working knowledge of active travel policy, planning and guidance, including LTN 1/20 infrastructure design standards, will be essential, alongside an understanding of the legislation and processes relating to planning applications.

At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.

Our vision is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services.

Hear more from our Chief Executive, Anna Earnshaw, about what its like to work at West Northants Council.

We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential.  We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner

The following film was created by us to communicate our intentions - watch WNC colleagues explain what DEI means to us.

If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support.

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