Transport Planning Officer (Public Transport Infrastructure)

North Somerset Council; Weston-super-Mare; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Weston-super-Mare is seeking a proactive individual for the Passenger Transport team. Responsibilities include managing public transport systems, overseeing contracts, and enhancing customer service. The ideal candidate will have experience in project management and public transport infrastructure. This role offers a hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Local Government Pension

Opportunities for professional development

Wellbeing Team support

Qualifications

• Experience or aptitude to learn contract management, infrastructure delivery, or project management.
• Strong understanding of public transport infrastructure.
• Experience in delivering or coordinating public transport projects.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate planning, implementation, and monitoring of public transport schemes.
• Manage contracts and technical systems for real-time public transport information.
• Oversee maintenance and development of public transport roadside assets.

Skills

Contract management

Infrastructure delivery

Project management

Excellent communication

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Education

Degree or equivalent standard in relevant subject

Job description

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

North Somerset Council is seeking a proactive and organised individual to join our Passenger Transport team. This is a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality public transport services across the district. You will be responsible for managing the systems, contracts, and physical infrastructure that underpin our real-time information and bus stop estate.

It is an exiting time to join us as we continue to invest over £40 million in the region's public transport network, including over 150 new real time information displays and over 100 new bus shelters and bus hubs with a pipeline of further projects in train.

The role will sit within our Public Transport department. The Team is responsible for the development and management of our passenger transport related activities. The team works at all levels including with senior officers and members as well as regional and national partners.

Responsibilities

• Project Coordination: Coordinate the planning, implementation, and monitoring of public transport and other schemes funded through S106 obligations related to airport development.
• Real-Time Information Systems: Manage the contracts and technical systems that deliver real-time public transport information to passengers.
• Real Time Information strategy development: Develop a future RTI strategy and procure future contracts in collaboration with the region's local authorities and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
• Bus Stop Estate & Roadside Assets: Oversee the maintenance and development of the public transport roadside infrastructure assets including bus stops, shelters, and associated street furniture. Manage contractors to ensure high standards of service and safety.
• Advertising Concession Development: Lead the development and procurement of a bus shelter advertising concession, generating income and improving the passenger experience. Develop and manage the road side public transport information strategy in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority.
• Customer Service: Handle public transport enquiries and complaints, ensuring timely and effective resolution and contributing to service improvement.

As a local authority we are keen to develop people new the public transport field, offering opportunities to train and learn the industry. We offer a career grade structure to facilitate entries at most skill levels as follows;

• Level 5 £28,598
• Level 6 £32,061
• Level 7 £35,412
• Level 8 £39,152
• Level 9 £42,839

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for an individual that is keen to learn and adapt, with confidence to communicate and a basic knowledge in public transport, infrastructure, or asset management. You’ll have a keen eye for detail, a collaborative approach, and a passion for improving passenger experience.

You Will Have

• Experience or aptitude to learn contract management, infrastructure delivery, or project management within a local authority or consultancy setting.
• Strong understanding of public transport infrastructure.
• Experience in delivering or coordinating public transport projects.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, timelines, and competing priorities effectively.
• Degree or equivalent standard in relevant subject.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How To Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Steve Thorne, Transport Planning Service Manager, [e-mail]

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: Tuesday 21 October 2025.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.