Senior Travel Plan Implementation Officer

Somerset Council; Taunton; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

LGPS pension scheme

Hybrid working arrangements

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council in Taunton is seeking a permanent Travel Plan Implementation Officer to coordinate and deliver travel planning activities across new and existing communities in Somerset. You will help ensure the Local Travel Plan aligns with transport policy, reduces car use and promotes sustainable travel.

You will lead on travel demand management, manage a budget, work with developers, authorities and communities, and monitor outcomes to meet targets.

Qualifications

• Sound knowledge of travel planning and travel demand management.
• Understanding of planning conditions, Section 106 and related legal obligations.
• Proven experience developing and implementing travel plans for communities.
• Experience working with developers, authorities and community groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage and undertake travel planning activities in new communities.
• Lead travel demand management and behaviour change initiatives to reduce car travel.
• Recommend intervention programmes to meet travel plan targets and resource needs.
• Manage an activity budget with forecasting of income and expenditure.
• Organise and attend community events and conduct annual travel surveys.
• Undertake site visits to monitor implementation of travel plans.

Skills

Travel planning knowledge

Travel demand management

Behaviour change principles

Stakeholder collaboration

Analytical and problem solving

Copy and verbal communication

Autonomy and teamwork

Education

Degree-level qualification in transport planning

Job description

Salary: Grade 11, ranging £33,673 - £37,563 per annum.

Hours: Full-Time, 37 hours per week.

Contract: Permanent

Location: County Hall, Taunton

Closing date: 7th October 2026

Role Purpose

You’ll be responsible for coordinating, developing and delivering travel planning activities for new and existing communities across Somerset.

You’ll be ensuring that every initiative meets the requirements of Somerset’s Local Travel Plan, a policy driven by local feedback on how we can improve public transport, reduce carbon emissions and improve the accessibility and experience of travelling for all of our local communities.

This will include overseeing the delivery of travel planning activities, leading on the implementation of behaviour change initiatives to reduce reliance on private car use and promote the use of sustainable transport measures, and delivering a change in travel patterns. You will also ensure that the requirements of the Travel Plan are met in relation to sustainable transport.

By collaborating with stakeholders, local authorities, and developers, your innovative ideas and proactive approach will directly impact the daily journeys and fostering a culture of sustainable transport.

Your ability to lead, organise, and inspire will be crucial in achieving agreed targets and supporting the growth of vibrant, connected communities. With your expertise and enthusiasm, you’ll help Somerset embrace sustainable mobility, making everyday journeys easier and better for everyone.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, manage and undertake travel planning and travel demand activities in new communities.
• Acting for the Highway Authority, develop, plan and undertake a range of travel demand management and behaviour change activities designed to reduce car travel.
• Recommend appropriate programmes of intervention to achieve travel plan targets for specific communities and suggest appropriate resourcing solutions.
• Manage an activity budget, including forecasting income levels and expenditure, ensuring spend remains in budget.
• Organise and attend community events. Promote and carry out annual travel surveys.
• Undertake site visits to monitor implementation of agreed travel plan measures.

What You’ll Bring

• Sound working knowledge of travel planning, travel demand management, and behaviour change principles.
• Understanding of the role of the Highway Authority in relation to planning conditions, Section 106 agreements, and other legal or contractual obligations linked to new development.
• Proven experience of developing, coordinating, and implementing travel plans or travel demand management initiatives for new or existing communities.
• Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders, including developers, consultants, local authorities, and community groups.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in transport planning, travel planning, sustainable transport, planning, geography, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to recommend appropriate interventions and resourcing solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and present information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively while also operating with a high degree of professional autonomy.

About The Team

The Transport Development Management Team plays a vital role in shaping Somerset's future by helping to deliver sustainable growth and investment across the county. Working at the heart of the planning process, the team provides professional highways and transport advice on a diverse range of developments, from new homes and schools to major employment sites and nationally significant infrastructure projects. We work collaboratively with local planning authorities, developers, communities, councillors and other stakeholders to ensure that new development is safe, accessible and supports wider economic, environmental and social objectives. Our work has a direct and lasting impact on the places where people live, work and travel, making it an exciting and rewarding team to be part of.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most generous and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find Out More About Working At Somerset Council

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Additional Information

• This is a permanent, full-time role working 37 hours a week. The role involves frequent travel across rural areas of Somerset, and lone working on occasion.
• The postholder will be required to attend meetings and events which are often outside normal working hours.
• 30 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• Hybrid working options - able to provide flexibility with office and home working as well as condensed working options as well.
• Interviews TBC - likely to be mid October.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Jon Fellingham, Service Manager Highways Development Management, at [e-mail].

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: Senior Travel Plan Implementation Officer - Job Description - AU1082 - 768AB.pdf