Franchising and Bus Reform Officer

Stoke-on-Trent City Council; Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is seeking a Franchising and Bus Reform Officer to join the Transport Connectivity team. The role supports the Local Transport Delivery Manager to shape transport policy and develop future programmes, turning ideas into deliverable projects across the council and regional partners.

You will work with colleagues, consultants and bus operators to explore bus franchising and deliver improvements that help people move around the city more easily, support economic growth

Qualifications

• Degree in transport planning, project management, engineering, economics, or a closely related field.
• Experience in a comparable transport-focused role.
• Ability to interpret transport data and evidence to support service design or recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and project manage bus franchising pilot studies with high-quality delivery.
• Drive development and implementation of transport strategies and masterplans.
• Lead future transport projects arising from pilot studies, including Bus Franchising Assessments readiness.
• Build relationships with bus operators, community groups, government bodies and stakeholders.
• Oversee commissioning, procurement and contract management activities.

Skills

Transport modelling

GIS tools

Stakeholder engagement

Data interpretation

Project management

Education

Degree in transport planning, engineering, or economics

Tools

GIS

Job description

Directorate: Housing, Regeneration and Operations

Section: Transport Connectivity

Location: Civic Centre

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract type: Fixed Term – 12 months

This advert is open to both internal and external applicants.

About us:

We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on Trent City Council is more than just a job, it's about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. And that’s where you come in. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset and most valuable resource. The skills, knowledge and experience of our c.4,600 employees are essential to delivering our ambitions and vision for our organisation and Stoke-on-Trent. We want to be an employer that people are proud to work for, and where our staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them to excel and to deliver the high-quality services that our residents need.

Further information on the Council and our directorates

The Role:

Transport is changing in Stoke-on-Trent, and we're looking for someone who wants to be a part of that journey.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Transport Connectivity team at a time of significant investment and change. We're delivering an ambitious programme of improvements to help people move around the city more easily, support economic growth, improve connections, and create places where communities can thrive.

As our Franchising and Bus Reform Officer, you'll support the Local Transport Delivery Manager to shape transport policy, be part of the development of future programmes and experience the journey to turn ideas into deliverable projects. You'll work with colleagues across the Council, elected members, transport operators, and regional partners to support the delivery of meaningful improvements across the region. We are looking for someone who is keen to get involved with the future of transport policy and delivery, working with consultants and colleagues to develop and support studies including bus franchising across our city. It is early days for this change, but we want to be prepared for the journey.

In return, you'll be part of a supportive team, enjoy a varied and rewarding role, and have the chance to be part of making a difference to the future of Stoke-on-Trent transport network. Whether it's helping to develop policy or supporting the delivery of projects that improve everyday journeys, you'll be helping to shape how our city grows and connects for years to come. If you're motivated by challenge, collaboration, and the opportunity to be part of this exciting journey, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information on the role, please contact the Recruiting Manager Zoe Batkin, [e-mail]

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and project manage bus franchising pilot studies, ensuring high-quality, timely and cost-effective delivery of consultancy outputs
• Drive the development and implementation of transport strategies, policies and masterplans, including statutory transport planning documents and performance frameworks
• Lead future transport projects arising from pilot studies, including preparation for potential Bus Franchising Assessments
• Build and maintain effective relationships with bus operators, community groups, government bodies and other stakeholders to support transport initiatives and programme delivery
• Oversee commissioning, procurement and contract management activities, ensuring value for money, contractual compliance and clear communication of complex transport strategies to senior stakeholders

About You:

A degree in transport planning, project management, engineering, economics, or a closely related field or have substantial, demonstrable experience in a comparable transport-focused roleKnowledge of transport modelling and/or using GIS toolsGood knowledge of the delivery of bus services in a public sector environmentExperience of working in a highly open and collaborative manner with a wide range of stakeholders, transport operators and council officers to achieve outcomes that deliver the Councils priorities, plans and strategiesStrong organisational and project management skills, including experience managing external consultantsAbility to interpret transport data, including patronage, accessibility and service performanceExperience of using this evidence to support service design or recommendations