Strategy & Programme Manager

Job Title: Strategy & Programme Manager
Starting Salary: £46,731 opportunity to progress to £51,802 pay award pending
Hours: 37.0
Location: Stevenage/Hybrid Working
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Growth & Environment

About the team

Our Integrated Transport Projects team in Transport for Hertfordshire is dedicated to supporting the everyday journeys of our diverse communities. Working with a wide range of local partners we aim to create a future where active and sustainable travel is central to everyday journeys, promoting healthier, greener, and more connected communities. Our vision is to deliver infrastructure and behaviour change programmes that support walking, cycling, passenger transport, and other environmentally friendly modes of travel, driving economic growth and helping Hertfordshire achieve net zero.

As a Programme Manager in our team, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the commissioning and delivery of innovative transport projects aligned with our Local Transport Plan objectives. Working in a fast paced environment your efforts will address current and future transport challenges by enabling the creation of an efficient, future ready network. You will work closely with elected members, local stakeholders, communities, consultants, and contractors, in a collaborative environment to ensure a unified vision and clear, consistent dialogue throughout project delivery. As the programme lead for a geographic area, you will also interact with Borough and District Council officers, elected representatives of all levels of local government, and a range of other stakeholders, fostering strong partnerships to achieve shared goals.

By bringing your professional expertise and passion for sustainable transport, you will contribute to the ongoing development and success of our transport schemes, making a tangible difference in how residents and visitors travel across Hertfordshire.

Expectation to be office based circa 3 days per week and attendance of in person meetings when required with councillors and local communities.

About the role

About the Role

As a Strategy and Programme Manager, you will play a crucial role in commissioning and delivering innovative transport infrastructure programmes. Your responsibilities will include:

• Commissioning Consultants: You will commission and oversee the work of consultants, project managers, designers, and contractors to ensure the successful delivery of transport projects. Your efforts will directly contribute to creating an efficient, future ready transport network.
• Stakeholder Management: You will engage with Borough and District Council officers, elected representatives, and other stakeholders to ensure a unified vision and clear, consistent dialogue throughout every stage of project delivery. This will help build strong partnerships and secure community buy-in for the schemes.
• Financial and Programme Management: You will manage project budgets, ensuring timely and cost-effective solutions whilst managing and communicating risks. Your role will be critical in delivering projects within the allocated resources, ensuring value for money.
• Community Engagement and Activation: You will lead consultations and engagements with local communities, fostering trust and enthusiasm for the projects. This will be vital in securing the necessary support for successful project implementation.
• Collaboration: You will work closely with colleagues within Hertfordshire County Council and District Councils to develop and implement our future programme of projects, ensuring alignment with shared objectives.
• Monitoring and Reporting: You will present reports and represent Transport for Hertfordshire at meetings and panels, clearly communicating progress, challenges, and achievements. Your advocacy will support the service's vision and goals.
• On-the-Ground Oversight: You will be out and about across the county, witnessing the development and delivery of the schemes you are sponsoring. This hands-on approach will allow you to address on-the-ground challenges and see the tangible outcomes of your work.

This role offers a rewarding blend of strategic thinking, decisive action, and effective communication, allowing you to shape the future of Hertfordshire's transport infrastructure and make a real difference in how people move around the county.

About you

Essential Skills:

• Qualifications: A recognised degree-level qualification in a relevant professional area or equivalent work experience.
• Project Management Experience: Demonstrable experience in managing projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and overseeing delivery partners.
• Effective Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise reports, present confidently at public meetings, and engage effectively with stakeholders.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Experience working with diverse partners, to build strong relationships and achieve shared goals.
• Financial Acumen: Competence in managing budgets and securing funding, with the ability to monitor expenditures and ensure cost-effective delivery.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills to address challenges as they arise and adapt strategies to changing circumstances.
• Leadership and Teamwork: Ability to inspire and guide teams while working collaboratively within a wider network to deliver outcomes.
• Digital Literacy: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, demonstrating the ability to maintain financial reports, analyse complex data sets, and deliver compelling presentations.

Desirable Skills:

• Project Management Qualification: A relevant project management qualification, such as PRINCE2 or APM certification.
• Public Engagement: Skills in running consultations and/or engaging with communities to build trust and support.
• Sector Experience: A background in highways and transport infrastructure delivery or planning with a local authority, with a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sector.
• Knowledge of Policies and Standards: Familiarity with transport and highway legislation, standards, and best practices, particularly in relation to sustainable transport and infrastructure projects.
• Political Environment Experience: Experience working in a political environment.
• Professional Membership: Membership of a recognised and relevant professional body.

This role offers a unique blend of rewarding challenges and opportunities for career development. As a Strategy and Programme Manager, you will be at the forefront of transforming Hertfordshire's transport infrastructure, playing a fundamental role in exacting change and shaping the future of sustainable travel in the county.

You will address complex transport issues, working with diverse stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions that have a lasting impact on the community. Your efforts will directly contribute to creating safer, more accessible, and sustainable journeys for residents and visitors alike.

This position is an excellent opportunity for career development, providing you with the chance to enhance your project management skills, expand your professional network, and gain valuable experience in a dynamic and supportive environment. You will be part of a dedicated team committed to making a tangible difference, with ample opportunities to influence and shape the direction of our projects and initiatives.

If you are ready to take on a pivotal role in driving positive change, delivering meaningful outcomes, and advancing your career in transport infrastructure, we would love to hear from you. Join us and be part of a team that is making a real difference in Hertfordshire.

This job role is within the Technical Services, level TEC12 job profile. Please locate this via:

Job profiles: Technical services

To hear more about this opportunity please contact Anna.Bonne@hertfordshire.gov.uk or Odette.Cotterell@hertfordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.

Interview Date: 2nd and 3rd June 2025

Benefits of working for us

How to apply

As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.

Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.