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We are seeking experienced and strategic fleet and operations leaders to play a pivotal role in delivering one of the UK's most ambitious public transport transformation programmes.

As part of the transition to bus franchising, this role will lead the development, mobilisation and long-term management of the franchised bus fleet, ensuring the right vehicles, infrastructure, contracts and operational arrangements are in place to deliver safe, reliable and high-quality services for passengers across the region. Working across multiple stakeholders, operators and delivery partners, you will be responsible for shaping and implementing the fleet strategy, overseeing vehicle procurement, contract management, asset transfer and operational readiness for each phase of the franchising programme.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of bus travel, leading the transition to a modern, sustainable and customer-focused fleet. A key priority will be driving the shift to zero-emission vehicles and supporting infrastructure, ensuring that decarbonisation objectives are delivered alongside operational performance, value for money and long-term asset resilience.

We are looking for somebody with significant experience in fleet or operational leadership. You will bring a strong understanding of fleet strategy, asset management and service operations, alongside the ability to work across complex programmes, commercial arrangements and stakeholder groups to deliver transformational change.

Please note, this is a 2-year FTC.

What you will be doing

• Contribute to the development of the long-term fleet strategy
• Define fleet requirements, standards and specifications for franchised contracts
• Monitor emerging technologies and policy developments
• Provide expert advice to senior officers, elected members and partner organisations on fleet related issues and investment decisions
• Provide functional leadership and direction to matrixed internal resources, consultants and contingent workers
• Work closely with operations teams, operators and depots to ensure fleet availability aligns with service requirements and performance targets
• Support mobilisation of new operators, including fleet transfer, introduction of new vehicles, depot readiness and engineering handovers
• Establish and oversee fleet asset management plans, including whole‑life costing, maintenance regimes, mid‑life refurbishment and replacement strategies
• Support the development of fleet cost forecast and monitoring ongoing budget variations

What’s essential

• Proven experience of leading or contributing to fleet procurement and lifecycle asset management
• Technical knowledge of bus engineering, safety and compliance
• Commercial acumen, including whole life cost analysis and risk management
• Ability to integrate engineering, operational and commercial priorities into coherent strategies
• Influencing skills, with the ability to engage constructively with operators and suppliers
• Programme or project management experience
• Educated to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent senior-level experience in a relevant field

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 1 day 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)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

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).