Director of Public Transport Operations

Local Government Chronicle; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 91,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional government organization in Sheffield is seeking a Director of Public Transport Operations to lead transport services throughout South Yorkshire. The successful candidate will implement strategies to enhance public transit accessibility and collaborate with various stakeholders. This role requires strong leadership experience and a deep understanding of transport networks. The position offers a competitive salary and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Enhanced Holiday Entitlement

Annual Leave Purchase Scheme

Flexible Hours Scheme

Training on the job

Professional Membership Fees

Rewarding You Benefits

Qualifications

• Strong background in public transport and understanding of transport networks.
• Proven track record of effective leadership at a senior level.
• Ability to collaborate with elected officials and various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the directorate responsible for public transport operations.
• Implement multi-year plans to improve customer experience.
• Ensure compliance with legal obligations for concessionary travel.
• Work with stakeholders to align plans with commercial markets.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Change management

Collaboration

Job description

Position Overview

Director of Public Transport Operations – 37 hours, Permanent, Salary: Grade 17 £91,900 - £103,306 (Pay award pending), Location: Sheffield (hybrid with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office).

Political Restrictions

This role is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Postholders are prohibited from standing for elected office (except Town or Parish Councils) and from engaging in certain political activities, including canvassing or acting as an officer of a political party. Roles listed as "specified" in Section 2.1 of the Act have no right of appeal. Further details are available on request.

Responsibilities

• Lead the directorate and be responsible for the delivery of public transport operations across South Yorkshire (including overseeing tendered services and transport integration but does not directly include managing drivers).
• Develop, seek support for and implement multi‑year plans to improve the customer experience and the evolving needs of the public transport network in South Yorkshire, enabling over 65 million bus journeys, 8 million tram journeys and 5 million rail journeys per year.
• Deliver customer‑focused services which make use of new technologies and enable the effective use of the region's public transport network, connecting people to places, jobs, education and social opportunities to drive economic benefit.
• Ensure that all services are delivered safely and that we comply with statutory and discretionary obligations on concessionary travel for 500,000 people in South Yorkshire, undertaking around 29 million trips per year.
• Work closely with key stakeholders across the public transport network including commercial operators in bus, light and heavy rail and community transport, and Local Authority partners to ensure SYMCA plans are aligned to the commercial market.

Qualifications

A strong background in public transport with a practical understanding of transport networks, analysis and appraisal; a proven track record of effective leadership, strategic thinking and change management, including supporting and empowering others to take ownership and accountability of outcomes. The role requires first‑class strategic transport thinking and an understanding of the practical realities of real‑world delivery. At senior level leadership experience is essential, with the ability to collaborate with the elected Mayor, Council Leaders, senior colleagues, commercial operators, external partners, community members and other relevant bodies on a regional and national stage.

Benefits

• Enhanced Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro‑rata for part‑time colleagues.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to 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; please note we cannot accommodate remote working contracts unless specified within the job advert.
• Flexible Hours Scheme – Employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours and take time‑off in the form of Flexi‑Leave or banked Annual Leave.
• Rewarding You – Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more via Reward Gateway and Cycle‑to‑Work schemes.
• Training on the job – Support with upskilling skills through on‑the‑job training and qualifications.
• Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees following approval by Line Management.

Diversity and Equality

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. All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment; all requests will be considered subject to operational requirements. Candidates with disabilities who meet all essential criteria will automatically be invited to interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please include details in your application.

How to Apply

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter detailing how you meet the essential criteria for the role and should be made directly via our careers portal by clicking the "Apply Now" button on the job advert page. Applications are closed on 26 November 2025. Interviews will take place as follows: 1st Stage Interview (via Teams) – w/c 8 December 2025; 2nd Stage Interview (in‑person panel) – w/c 15 December 2025.