Location: Chesterfield, East Midlands
Employment Status: Permanent
Salary: £47,181 - £52,413
About the Role
This is a defining moment for transport in the East Midlands. As the region's Local Transport Authority, EMCCA is at the forefront of shaping a bold, future-focused Mayor's Transport Plan - driving forward a transformational investment programme worth over £2 billion. This is more than infrastructure; it's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine how people connect, travel, and thrive across the region.
We are seeking a Transport Strategy Lead to play a central role in shaping, developing and implementing transport policy and strategy across the region. This is a senior, high-impact position responsible for leading the preparation and delivery of the Local Transport Plan and ensuring it drives meaningful outcomes for communities, businesses, and the wider region.
Working closely with the Head of Transport Strategy, the Transport Director, and senior stakeholders, you will help maximise opportunities to transform transport and support EMCCA's Connected Communities ambition.
Our region is home to award-winning bus companies, an established tram system, the HQ of the new GB Railways, and birthplace of the first workplace parky levy in Europe - this is a region with both track record and vision.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development, implementation and ongoing management of the Local Transport Plan, ensuring compliance with national policy and statutory requirements
Translate strategic priorities into deliverable programmes, shaping investment plans and ensuring alignment with regional objectives
Provide expert analysis and interpretation of transport data to inform robust, evidence-led policy development and decision-making
Oversee the development of technical evidence bases, including commissioning modelling, data analysis and option appraisal
Establish and manage governance arrangements for the LTP and associated programmes, including performance monitoring, reporting and risk management
Lead public consultation and stakeholder engagement activities, ensuring inclusive and effective participation
Build and maintain strong relationships with constituent authorities, government bodies and key partners to achieve consensus and drive delivery
Prepare and present reports, briefings and recommendations for senior leadership, elected members, and governance boards
Manage programme budgets and financial performance, including procurement, contract management and contribution to funding bids and business cases
Ensure delivery of services in line with regulatory, legal and organisational standards, including the management of sensitive and politically significant informationLeadership Responsibilities
Where applicable, the role includes:
Providing clear leadership and direction to teams, fostering a high-performance and accountable working culture
Supporting staff development through coaching, mentoring and performance management
Ensuring effective communication and collaboration within and across teams
Managing workload and resources to deliver strategic priorities and organisational objectivesAbout You
We are seeking an experienced and highly capable transport planning professional with a strong track record in strategy development and programme delivery. Please note, you do not need to meet every requirement to apply - if you feel you'd be a good fit, we encourage you to put in an application.
Essential Skills and Experience:
Extensive experience in transport planning, policy and strategy development, with a strong focus on evidence-based decision-making
In-depth understanding of current and emerging transport legislation, policy frameworks and regulatory environments
Proven experience managing complex, multidisciplinary projects and programmes across organisational boundaries
Strong analytical capability, including commissioning and interpreting technical evidence, modelling and appraisal outputs
Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging senior partners, elected members and external organisations
Demonstrated experience managing budgets and financial performance, including procurement and investment planning
Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively to a range of audiencesDesirable:
Experience commissioning consultants or technical specialists
Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation frameworks and outcome-based reporting
Professional membership with a relevant institution (e.g. CIHT, ICE, TPS)Qualifications
Degree (or equivalent experience) in transport planning, civil engineering, geography, urban planning or a related discipline
Evidence of continued professional development in a relevant field
Membership of a relevant professional body is desirableWhy Join EMCCA
This is a rare opportunity to lead the development of a flagship regional transport strategy at a critical point in its evolution. You will play a key role in shaping how significant levels of investment are deployed to deliver long-term economic, social and environmental outcomes.
EMCCA offers a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where innovation, evidence-led decision-making, and partnership working are central to delivering success. You will be part of an organisation with a clear mission, strong leadership, and a commitment to driving positive, lasting change.
Benefits
Up to 10 days paid leave in a 12-month period for caring responsibilities
Healthcare cash plan
A hybrid work model with remote working opportunities
Local Government Pension Scheme
Flexible working hours
Maternity, Paternity, IVF, Adopters and Foster Carers support
Discount scheme
Car Benefit Scheme
Cycle to Work Scheme
30 days holiday (plus 2 with continuous service) + bank holidays + your birthday (up to five extra days through salary sacrifice)
Costco Membership
Discounted Gym Membership
Professional Membership Scheme
Car Parking Discounts
Car Sharing SchemeOur Values
We lift our regionWe always put the prosperity of the East Midlands region and its people first when carrying our roles and achieving strategic outcomes
We work togetherWe always challenge each other to be exceptional, embracing collaboration and acting to lift rather than win, working as one team
We make an impactWe always make decisions that are evidence led and which strengthen our region systemically. We hold ourselves to account for our actions
We are humanWe always take pride in who we are and the diversity we bring, communicating authentically and showing genuine interest in one anotherAbout EMCCA
EMCCA is committed to delivering long-term, system-wide impact for the people, businesses and places of the East Midlands. Through devolution, the authority now has the powers, funding and leadership to drive meaningful and lasting change in transport.
With significant public engagement already achieved and a strong pipeline of delivery underway, this is an opportunity to shape the future of transport across a diverse and dynamic region.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of everything EMCCA do. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered, regardless of background or identity.
EMCCA is a Disability Confident organisation, committed to inclusive recruitment and supporting people with disabilities to thrive in the workplace. We also support the Care Leavers Covenant, recognising the challenges faced by care-experienced individuals and providing opportunities and support to help them succeed.
Additional Information
This role is politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended), and the postholder may not hold an active political role inside or outside of work.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced transport professional with the expertise and leadership capability to drive strategic change at a regional level, we encourage you to apply now to join our client's dedicated team within the East Midlands Combined County Authority.
Reach out to the team at Matchtech
Salary description
£47181.00 - £52413.00 per year