Principal Policy & Strategy Officer

West Midlands Combined Authority; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional transport authority in Birmingham is seeking a Principal Policy and Strategy Officer to influence transport policy and strategy. The successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders, conduct analyses, and contribute to the Local Transport Plan. Ideal for those with experience in public sector policy and strong interpersonal skills. This role offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme and paid annual leave.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

28 days paid annual leave

EV car benefit scheme

Healthcare plans

Discounted gym membership

3 days paid volunteer leave

Qualifications

• Experience in transport planning or operational research.
• Experience of managing consultants/project management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Government major scheme assessment methodology.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with external stakeholders.
• Undertake robust analysis of transport issues.
• Contribute to strategy development for TfWM.
• Prepare study briefs and manage consultants.
• Ensure project delivery aligns with TfWM strategic priorities.

Skills

Public sector policy knowledge

Networking and presentation skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Strong negotiation skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in Transportation Planning and Management or equivalent experience

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in developing and influencing transport policy and strategy for one of the UK's largest and dynamic transport authorities. As part of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), you'll help shape the region's political, economic, environmental, social and technological approach to transport - turning evidence-based insight into strategic priorities that drive delivery, investment and innovation and helping to ensure journeys for everyone.

As Principal Policy and Strategy Officer, you'll work at the heart of policy and strategy development, supporting the creation of the Local Transport Plan (LTP) and leading on key areas such as bus strategy, analysis, research and commissioning. Collaborating with consultants, regional partners and Government departments including the DfT, you'll build strong relationships to influence and inform decision‑making that supports the region's wider economic and environmental ambitions.

This role offers the chance to work across the Combined Authority in a fast‑paced, matrix environment – ideal for someone with a proven background in transport policy, strategy, or research, whether from local and/or national government or consultancy and the private sector. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to high‑profile projects, broaden your experience, and make a real impact on the future of transport which can help make the West Midlands the best place to live, work and visit.

What you will be doing

• Build relationships with external stakeholders to influence and support the development of transport and economic strategy
• Undertake robust analysis of transport issues to support the development and review of long‑term vision and strategic approach for TfWM
• Contribute to strategy development for TfWM, including Delivery Strategy, implementation plans and priorities for funding and bidding processes for capital and revenue funding
• Provide strategic input to TfWM's Business Planning process
• Develop and maintain the currency of TfWM's medium‑ and long‑term Transport Strategy
• Prepare study briefs and manage consultants engaged in Strategy and Commissioning projects
• Produce high quality written briefs and provide professional verbal briefings for Senior WMCA and TfWM Boards, and Local Authority elected members regarding transport strategy and commissioning matters
• Ensure that projects are created and delivered that satisfy TfWM strategic priorities

What's essential

• Experience and wide knowledge of public sector policy and strategy issues
• Degree or equivalent in a related field such as Transportation Planning and Management or equivalent experience
• Experience of managing consultants/project management
• Comprehensive knowledge of current Government major scheme assessment methodology
• Experience in the development of schemes involving partnership and/or joint funding
• Experience of transport planning, operational research or other similar discipline
• Ability to network and present effectively across multiple audiences, both internally and externally
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to enthuse, persuade, negotiate and influence both verbally and in writing to motivate others
• Strong negotiation skills
• Good organisation skills
• Good analytical and problem‑solving skills

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account.Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile.Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won't be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it's your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team ([e-mail]).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year‑on‑year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more)
• EV car benefit scheme
• Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writingandmortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e‑bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big‑name retailers, and more.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser‑focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We're a Disability Confident Employer with Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part‑time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying.

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non‑UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).