Transport Policy Officer

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional governance body in Sheffield is searching for a Transport Policy Officer. This role involves shaping transport policy, managing bus service initiatives, and collaborating with stakeholders. The ideal candidate should have experience in public transport and the ability to deliver evidence-based advice. This position offers competitive compensation and a hybrid work model.

Benefits

Annual Leave Purchase Scheme

Hybrid working

Local Government Pension Scheme

Training on the job

Diversity commitment

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in bus service operations and strategy.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly.
• Experience in local government and political environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an influential transport policy framework.
• Lead integration of all modes of transport with a focus on bus services.
• Support the development of the Local Transport Plan.

Skills

Public transport environment knowledge

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Data analysis

Job description

Overview

Job title: Transport Policy Officer

Application Deadline: 21 September 2025

Department: Public Transport Operations

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Compensation: £41,511 - £44,711 / year

Description

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: £41,511 - £44,711
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the MCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.

Please note that SYMCA follows a structured salary grading system for all roles, and the offered salary for each post will be at the starting point within the specified grade. We value the skills and experience of potential candidates, and there will be opportunities for salary enhancements as you grow within South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is currently in the process of reviewing its terms and conditions of employment including pay and grading. As part of this project, the post advertised may be subject to changes in the near future. All changes and any impact on individual posts will be discussed further should you be successfully appointed to the position you have applied for.

Applications must be accompanied by a covering letter to outline your interest and suitability for the role, please see guidance in the advert below.

Key Responsibilities

South Yorkshire is delivering one of the most ambitious transport investment programmes in the country. With a multibillion-pound pipeline of transformational projects, this role sits at the heart of shaping policy, setting priorities, and building the evidence base to unlock major funding and deliver real change for the region.

As Transport Policy Officer, you will help to develop and maintain an influential transport policy framework through cross organisational collaboration and partnership working with both local and national stakeholders. You will lead on the integration of all modes of transport, with a specific link to bus service policy, planning and project development.

You will shape policy that aligns with strategic objectives and adapts to evolving national legislation and funding opportunities. Although you will be expected to work across all areas of transport policy, initially your work will support the development and management of initiatives such as our Enhanced Bus Partnership and bus reform, key performance indicators, bus priority measures and Demand Responsive and Community Transport.

The role is also pivotal in supporting the development of the Local Transport Plan and associated delivery strategies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining and developing the Bus Service Improvement Plan
• Maintaining and developing the Enhanced Bus Partnership
• Leading on Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) pilot projects
• Working with Community Transport partners to develop robust business growth plans and strategies
• Working with local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure decisions support the effective operation of bus services
• Develop integrated transport policy using insights from across SYMCA and external partners
• Support the development of the Local Transport Plan and supporting strategies
• Prepare evidence-led briefings, reports, and presentations for senior stakeholders, including the Mayor and national partners
• Provide expert advice to the Mayoral Combined Authority and advisory boards on transport policy and strategy
• Represent SYMCA in pan-northern and national forums, influencing wider transport policy
• Identify funding opportunities and support the development of strategic business cases
• Build strong internal and external relationships to influence outcomes and deliver results
• Commission and manage external consultants to support policy development
• Conduct horizon scanning and research to ensure SYMCA remains informed and responsive to emerging trends and innovations
• Undertake individual policy projects and contribute to the delivery of SYMCA’s strategic priorities

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

We are looking for someone with a strong foundation working within a public transport environment with a good understanding of bus service operations and strategy. You will be confident working in a fast paced, political environment, able to handle complex technical information and translate it into clear, evidence-based advice to support investment decisions.

You will have excellent relationship building skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and influence decision making at senior levels. Strategic thinking, strong communication skills and a focus on delivering work that supports real world outcomes are all essential.

*In your covering letter, please provide evidence of your competence in the following areas;

• A good understanding of local government practice and governance with experience working in a complex, political environment.
• An understanding of the framework in which bus services operate
• Experience providing advice or recommendations to senior leaders.
• Experience of working on a public transport related programme, project or policy
• The ability to analyse complex data and summarise key issues for action.
• A strategic mindset and the ability to align transport within the broader policy environment.

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave
• Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time.
• Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway!
• Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on the job training and qualifications
• Holiday – Up to 36 days annual leave (depending on length of service). Pro-rata for part time colleagues.
• Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.