Franchised Network Lead

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid working

Flexible hours

Job summary

South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority leads the franchised bus network planning for Sheffield and surrounding areas, delivering a high-profile public transport transformation programme.

You will shape network design, assess scenarios and translate proposals into clear, auditable specifications while negotiating with operators and partners to ensure affordability and deliverability.

Qualifications

• We require a degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• Extensive knowledge of bus network design, timetable coordination and accessibility.
• Experience using data and modelling to support strategic decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead major network reviews, service redesigns and network optimisation.
• Define network design approach and integration with other transport modes.
• Develop and assess network scenarios using demand, accessibility and financial data.
• Translate proposals into auditable service specifications for procurement.
• Present recommendations to governance arrangements.

Skills

Bus network design

Timetable coordination

Data analysis

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree or equivalent in a relevant subject

Tools

Scenario modelling

Data analytics software

Job description

Franchised Network Lead

Application Deadline: 5 September 2026

Department: Public Transport Operations

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Nathan Broadhead

Compensation: £51,357 - £54,495 / year

Description

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: Grade 11 £51,357 - £54,495
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

Help shape the future of bus travel across South Yorkshire.

We are looking for an experienced bus network planning specialist to lead the strategic design, optimisation and implementation of South Yorkshire’s franchised bus network.

This is a senior specialist role at the heart of one of the country’s most significant public transport transformation programmes. The network will be delivered through contracts worth more than £700 million and will generate more than £100 million in revenue each year. The decisions made through this role will directly affect the affordability, operational performance and passenger experience of bus services across South Yorkshire.

As our principal subject matter expert for bus network planning, you will develop a clear, evidence-based network structure that responds to passenger demand, supports economic growth and improves access to employment, education and essential services.

About the role

You will:

• Lead major network reviews, service redesign programmes and network optimisation work;
• Define the network design approach, including frequent corridors, coordinated timetables, interchange and integration with other transport modes;
• Develop and assess network scenarios using passenger demand, accessibility, operational and financial data;
• Examine the trade-offs between service provision, revenue, operating cost, social value and wider policy priorities;
• Translate network proposals into clear and auditable service specifications for procurement and delivery;
• Assess timetable structures, peak vehicle requirements, running times, layover, scheduling constraints and depot implications;
• Work closely with finance, commercial, procurement, legal and operational colleagues to ensure proposals are affordable and deliverable;
• Lead technical discussions and negotiations with bus operators, local authorities, regional partners and political stakeholders; and
• Present clear recommendations through SYMCA’s programme, executive and Mayoral governance arrangements.

You will also establish the approach for monitoring and continuously improving the network after franchising begins, using operational performance, passenger demand and customer outcomes to inform future network changes.

This is an opportunity to build a network that is designed around the communities it serves and to develop lasting public-sector expertise in bus network planning.

About you

You will be an established transport professional with substantial experience of bus network planning, service design or operational transport planning.

You will have led complex network reviews, service redesign programmes or other major transport projects and understand how network decisions affect operating costs, revenue, vehicle requirements and service performance.

We are looking for someone who can combine strong technical judgement with an understanding of the commercial, operational and political environment in which public transport decisions are made.

You will bring:

• A degree or equivalent professional attainment in a relevant subject;
• Extensive knowledge of bus network design, timetable coordination, frequency planning, interchange and accessibility;
• Experience of using data, scenario modelling and analytical tools to support strategic decisions;
• A strong understanding of transport economics, revenue forecasting, cost drivers and financial risk;
• Knowledge of bus franchising, regulated transport markets or the procurement and mobilisation of transport services;
• Experience of developing operationally deliverable and contractually clear service specifications;
• Confidence in negotiating complex operational and commercial matters with operators and partners;
• Experience of working with senior officers, political stakeholders and formal governance processes; and
• The ability to explain complex technical and financial issues clearly to different audiences.

Direct experience of bus franchising or another regulated transport environment would be an advantage. Experience of real-time operational data, passenger analytics, digital modelling or AI-enabled transport planning tools would also be welcomed.

You may also hold professional membership of an organisation such as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, the Transport Planning Society or the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation.

Above all, you will be able to provide credible, independent advice and make balanced recommendations where passenger needs, operational requirements, affordability and political priorities do not always align.

Benefits

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

In addition to the above, some of our benefits include -

• 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 of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.
• Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi-Scheme which allows office-based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to 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 with 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 where applicable and following approval by Line Management.

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.

All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.

Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview.