Senior Policy Advisor

Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service pension

25 days annual leave

Bank holidays + Privilege Day

Staff discount portal

Career development support

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working options

Job summary

Department for Transport in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to help shape transport policy with a flexible, hybrid approach based in Birmingham and Leeds. The salary is £45,900 per year, with a Civil Service pension contribution of 28.97%.

The role offers 25 days holiday, additional Privilege Day, staff discounts and strong development opportunities. The post involves leading policy advice for Ministers and other departments, gathering evidence and delivering high-quality

Qualifications

• Leading on discrete projects that support the delivery of a policy area by developing and taking forward your own initiatives.
• Compiling, assimilating and interpreting evidence to inform policy making.
• An effective communicator who can deliver important messages in a way which reflects the needs of different audiences.
• Producing written work to required standard and tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Leading policy advice for Ministers, other Government Departments (including Cabinet Office, No10 and HM Treasury) and senior officials, including but not limited to: Ministerial briefings, Parliamentary business, freedom of information requests and correspondence.
• Supporting senior managers with policy creation/implementation.
• Gathering information, including engaging with internal and external experts, and bringing it together to deliver high quality oral and written briefing.
• Developing and maintaining good working relationships with departmental, cross-Government and external stakeholders to support policy development and delivery.
• Making clear recommendations on complex questions, working with stakeholders in a fast-moving environment, managing ambiguity and handling the dynamics of multiple competing priorities.

Job description

Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 15th November 2026

Location: Birmingham, Leeds (This role is suitable for hybrid working)

Salary: £45,900 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

The Department for Transport is at the heart of some of the UK's most ambitious and high-profile initiatives, shaping the future of transport across the nation. From major infrastructure projects and transport innovation to improving connectivity and supporting economic growth, our work impacts millions of people every day. As part of our Policy Profession, you will join a supportive and collaborative community, providing trusted advice, developing evidence-based solutions and helping to deliver meaningful outcomes for citizens, businesses and communities across the UK.

As a Senior Policy Advisor, you are expected to work with a degree of flexibility, meaning responsibilities may change to support priority delivery.

Top Responsibilities

• Leading policy advice for Ministers, other Government Departments (including Cabinet Office, No10 and HM Treasury) and senior officials, including but not limited to: Ministerial briefings, Parliamentary business, freedom of information requests and correspondence.


• Supporting senior managers with policy creation/implementation.


• Gathering information, including engaging with internal and external experts, and bringing it together to deliver high quality oral and written briefing.


• Developing and maintaining good working relationships with departmental, cross-Government and external stakeholders to support policy development and delivery.


• Making clear recommendations on complex questions, working with stakeholders in a fast-moving environment, managing ambiguity and handling the dynamics of multiple competing priorities.

For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here


• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).


• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.


• Access to the staff discount portal.


• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.


• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.


• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.


• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About You

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• Leading on discrete projects that support the delivery of a policy area by developing and taking forward your own initiatives.


• Compiling, assimilating and interpreting evidence to inform policy making.


• An effective communicator who can deliver important messages in a way which reflects the needs of different audiences.


• Producing written work to required standard and tight deadlines.

This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 15th November 2026