Bus Service Planning Team Manager

Surrey County Council; Knaphill; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking an experienced manager to lead their Bus Service Planning Team. This role involves managing local bus services, increasing patronage, and contract management while fostering partnerships with stakeholders. The ideal candidate has substantial experience in passenger transport and a degree in a relevant field. This position offers a hybrid working model and competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

26 days' holiday, rising to 31 days

Local government pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Learning and development opportunities

Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts

Qualifications

• Substantial experience of working at a senior level in passenger transport.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and work collaboratively.
• Thorough background knowledge of bus industry operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and motivate staff.
• Oversee team performance and contract management.
• Increase bus patronage through strategic initiatives.

Skills

Team leadership

Contract management

Budget management

Partnership development

Knowledge of bus industry

Education

Degree or equivalent professional qualification

Job description

This role will lead a team that has a pivotal role to play in our response to the National Bus Strategy, taking forward our ambitious Bus Service Improvement Plan and Enhanced Partnership ambitions, working alongside Surrey bus operators to encourage bus service enhancements and passenger growth.

An exciting part of this role is accelerating the introduction of zero emission buses into Surrey and bidding for Department for Transport funding opportunities to complement the work undertaken so far on introducing hydrogen and electric buses.

You will be responsible for proactively contract‑managing a network of local bus services across the county. These provide access to key services for our residents, including employment, education, health and essential shopping. Our contracted bus services support those provided commercially, which means a keen understanding of bus network operations and a proven ability to work in partnership are vital to maximise positive outcomes for the council and residents. As part of this, you will grow the existing positive partnership ethos with local bus operators, ensuring that bus services, network enhancements and qualitative improvements are developed and delivered collaboratively.

Putting buses at the heart of our Surrey Transport Plan is key to providing a realistic and attractive alternative to the private car. This will help us reduce the 46% of carbon emissions that come from the transport sector in the county, forming part of our pathway to net zero carbon. This post also has a commitment to being actively included as a manager on the Highways Emergency Standby Rosta.

Responsibilities

• Leading, managing and motivating staff
• Managing and overseeing the performance of the team
• Managing team budgets effectively
• Contract managing providers to secure excellent value for money and high customer satisfaction
• Leading on our work to increase bus patronage

This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

There has never been a more exciting time to work in public transport, and we are seeking an experienced manager to lead our Bus Service Planning Team at Surrey County Council. We need someone who is passionate about improving bus services and has a proven ability to lead a dedicated team, along with a demonstrable ability to work in partnership with the bus industry and a range of stakeholders.

This role is based at Victoria Gate, Woking, and offers a hybrid working arrangement, with a minimum expectation of two days per week in the office. If you love the idea of helping us to make our residents love buses too, we would love to hear from you!

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification
• Experience working in partnership successfully with different teams across an organisation to achieve an agreed result
• Substantial experience of working at a senior level in a relevant role, and at least five years in the passenger transport field
• A proven ability to manage budgets and work collaboratively with internal and external partners
• Thorough background knowledge of how the bus industry functions
• A full understanding of relevant legislation

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 3 questions.

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two‑tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1 April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information on our website.

Our Commitment

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part‑time staff)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary‑related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents