Director of Transport - Strategy and Policy

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. We aim to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses, and places across South Yorkshire. A strong public transport network supports good economic and inclusive growth.

Please note that SYMCA follows a structured salary grading system for all roles, and the offered salary for each post will be at the starting point within the specified grade. We value the skills and experience of potential candidates, with opportunities for salary enhancements as you grow within SYMCA.

As our Director of Transport Strategy, you will lead the Transport Strategy and Policy team to develop, prioritise, and deliver a shared transport strategy for South Yorkshire, including policies and approaches by mode (bus, rail, tram, walking, wheeling, and cycling) and thematic priorities. Key policy areas include decarbonisation, integrated ticketing and fares, integrated networks, accessibility, and the development of transport hubs. You will have the opportunity to shape our shared transport future for South Yorkshire.

The role involves significant partnership working, as well as an appreciation of how transport fits within the South Yorkshire region’s overall economic, social, and environmental programmes. You will be a key interface with the Mayor, Council Leaders, the Active Travel Commissioner for South Yorkshire, and senior leaders in DfT and beyond. You will ensure the region speaks with one powerful voice, and that key decision-makers in Government, the investment community, and others outside the region understand, support, and act on our priorities.

Our plans are ambitious, and we are looking for leaders who are keen to make a real difference to our local communities. This is an opportunity to make a genuine lasting impact on transport and travel on the local, regional, and national stage. This is an opportune time to further develop an integrated transport network as the Supertram operations have been brought back into public control and we are exploring options on bus franchising.

A strong background in developing and implementing Transport Strategy and Policy, with experience influencing senior colleagues, Board Members, and/or politicians. You will have a practical understanding of transport analysis, appraisal, and business case development; behavioral insight, and experience working in the bus, rail, or tram industry. You will have a proven track record of effective senior leadership, strategic thinking, and change management, including supporting the empowerment of others to take ownership and accountability for outcomes. The role requires both first-class strategic transport thinking and an understanding of the practical realities of real-world delivery. You will be responsible for the development of a transformational Local Transport Plan (LTP) for South Yorkshire.

With your proven ability to lead at a senior level, you will work collaboratively with the Mayor, elected Members, senior leaders across directorates, local authority colleagues, external partners, community members, and other bodies interacting with this role.

The role will also contribute to the growth and redesign of the team for the medium to long-term, ensuring we have the required capacity and capability to secure delivery of our ambitions.

All colleagues have access to a local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can truly make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us at SYMCA, with our recognised family-friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to 15 additional days per year on top of your normal annual leave.

Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most roles are offered on a hybrid basis, with some support roles being onsite full-time.

Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions, and more with Reward Gateway!

Training on the job - Support with upskilling through on-the-job training and qualifications.

Holiday – Up to 36 days annual leave (depending on length of service). Pro-rata for part-time colleagues.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion, and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. We aim to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses, and places across South Yorkshire.

In recent years, significant funding has been secured through the Transforming Cities Fund and a devolution deal, with further funding recently secured through the region’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. As a result, we have a large and growing capital programme to support the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Mayor’s 2040 vision for transport. Join our workforce of talented people who love working together – and are proud of the work they do. Progression here can take you in many directions.

This is what a career at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is like, and this is where yours starts.