Policy Officer

West Yorkshire Combined Authority; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport authority in England is seeking a Policy Officer to support their diverse membership of transport organizations. This role involves conducting research, developing policy expertise, and representing the organization at relevant meetings. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and research skills, as well as a degree-level education. Salary is set at £39,274 per annum with options for hybrid working, which allows flexibility in balancing personal life and career.

Benefits

Flexible working options

28 days annual leave

Free bus and rail travel

Local Government Pension Scheme

Fully funded professional development

Enhanced parental leave

24/7 confidential counselling services

Qualifications

• Willingness and ability to rapidly establish knowledge in transport policy areas.
• Excellent communication skills for conveying complex information.
• Curiosity and a desire to learn.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research and analysis for new insights.
• Develop and lead areas of policy expertise.
• Work collaboratively with members to tailor initiatives.
• Represent upward at stakeholder meetings and events.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Proven research skills

Ability to think creatively

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent

Job description

Policy Officer, Urban Transport Group

£39,274 per annum (pay award pending) - Grade 7

Leeds / Hybrid Full time – 37 hours per week

Closing date – 15 January 2026

Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part‑time working and / or job share. We currently have a vacancy for a Policy Officer at the Urban Transport Group.

The Urban Transport Group is the UK’s network of transport authorities (including West Yorkshire Combined Authority, UTG’s host organisation). We are one of the most influential organisations working in transport. We support our members to create transport networks which are sustainably funded and affordable; deliver social value; are green and resilient; and are trusted. We help to shape transport policy at a national level to ensure our members have the powers and funding they need to deliver better transport for their communities.

As Policy Officer, you will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with - and support - our large and diverse membership of 15 organisations working to improve transport in their regions. You should have experience of working in a policy environment, producing impactful research, briefings and reports. You will work across a broad range of policy areas, but an interest in rail would be desirable.

Our Offer

• Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi‑time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
• Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
• Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
• Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
• Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
• Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family‑friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
• Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24 / 7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
• Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2‑minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.

The Role

Reporting into the Senior Policy Manager, your key responsibilities will include :

• Undertaking original research projects and analysis to develop new insights, share best practice and influence stakeholders locally and nationally.
• Developing, expanding and leading on your own areas of policy expertise to contribute to the overall credibility and influence of our work.
• Working collaboratively with UTG members and stakeholders to ensure our work is tailored to their needs and priorities.
• Representing UTG at meetings, events and conferences to promote our work and influence outcomes of relevance to the UTG network.

Please review the Role Profile for more information about the responsibilities.

About You

You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience :

• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant education or experience.
• Willingness and ability to rapidly establish, grow and maintain knowledge of a wide range of transport and related policy areas (such as environment, health, economy, place making, social inclusion).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey often complex information clearly and with impact.
• Proven research skills together with curiosity and a desire to learn.
• Ability to think creatively to make the connections between transport and wider public policy.

To Apply

If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form on our website and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on this page for support in completing your application form.

Further Information

The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro‑divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and / or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.

Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met. Please note that whilst it is our policy to recruit at SP1 for all appointments, which is the salary stated above, each role includes career salary progression, with incremental increases applicable in most cases on an annual basis.