If you love making things happen and shaping the future of transport, then this is the role for you. This is a principal level role in the Transport Strategy team, which aims understand the future transport needs of the Council and what strategies and policies we will need in place in order to innovate and continue to deliver a better travel experience for all our customers. You will be managing the development of our next Local Transport Plan (LTP5) and ensure its alignment with our new Local Plan for Buckinghamshire. This involves working with teams across the Council to develop new policies and strategies; providing evidence for them and advising our decision makers; and engaging with stakeholders to achieve local support.

About us

The Transport Strategy & Funding team works to understand future travel trends and develops our transport priorities for the future. This is a small team which undertakes analysis using travel data, traffic modelling, and the results of local surveys to identify what we need to put in place now to allow us to innovate and adapt to future travel demands. Although a small team, its function is critical to the delivery of the Council’s transport priorities and influencing partners to help us achieve them.

We really want everyone to love what they are doing and feed their passion for transport and delivery.  Personal and professional development as well as a work/life balance are important to us, with the Council offering flexible working arrangements.

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

About the role

It is an exciting time to work for Buckinghamshire’s Transport Strategy Team due to the unique opportunities on offer. 

Some of the key tasks which the Principal Transport Strategy Officer will be expected to undertake are as follows:

• Lead the development of Local Transport Plan 5 and contribute to the preparation of technical documents associated with this.
• Project manage the delivery of all aspects of the Local Transport Plan and Local Plan for Bucks Transport Evidence base.
• Lead the commissioning of technical studies and strategy development and be responsible for the management of the consultant/client interface.
• Provide strategic transport planning professional advice, guidance and support to a range of internal and external customers / stakeholders.
• Effective line management of a small team of transport strategy officers.
• Lead on transport modelling activity (technical work outsourced to Atkins) within the Council, so will need to have awareness of TAG and associated methodology.
• Undertake research and consultations to inform recommendations and decision making within the Service.
• Collate, process and analyse complex information, recommending, developing and implementing solutions/interventions.

Any-Desk:

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

About you

As the Principal Transport Strategy Officer you will support the Transport Strategy Manager in developing the County’s future transport policies, supporting growth and development within Buckinghamshire. With partnership working and local/political support being the key to success, you should be enthusiastic and confident in engaging with and influencing strategic partners and customers to ensure positive strategic outcomes.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has relevant experience in a senior transport strategy or policy role.
• Has expert knowledge and understanding of transport policy guidance and legislation at appropriate at national and local levels.
• Has good experience of utilising transport modelling data within a wider evidence base to support policy development.
• Is an experienced line manager, demonstrating ability to support, develop and motivate others.
• Can build strong relationships, influence and engage successfully with colleagues, partners and customers at all levels.
• Uses initiative and demonstrates strategic and political awareness in problem solving and decision making.
• Has excellent communication, persuasion and negotiating skills.
• Has experience of commissioning and managing contracted services.
• Has a relevant degree or substantial experience.

Other information

This is a 3-year fixed term position, Grade 9.

We will consider part time working arrangements and can also offer training.

Closing date: midnight Wednesday 3rd July 2024.

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.