Job Introduction
We are delighted to be partnering with Berwick Partners, an executive search firm and division of Odgers Berndston, on this key senior leadership opportunity at the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA).
If you wish to apply or find out more we'd love to hear from you, but rather than responding to this advert, full details on who to contact at Berwick Partners and how to apply are below.
About the Role
The Executive Director of Transport is responsible for overseeing all aspects of transport operations, leading on the delivery of the region’s transport ambitions, leading the development of inclusive and sustainable transport and ensuring improvements on transport align with economic growth priorities. You'll be at the helm of implementing a forward-thinking strategy that not only meets current needs but also anticipates future challenges and opportunities. You will craft a delivery plan that is innovative and aligned with the MCAs ambitious goals for economic growth and environmental sustainability.
You'll oversee the execution of significant transport initiatives, including cutting-edge bus improvement projects, transformative rail development schemes, and seamless integrated transport solutions. Your aim is to ensure these programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and efficiency. As a vital member of the Corporate Leadership Team, you'll collaborate closely with senior leaders across the organisation to ensure transport strategies are fully integrated with broader organisational objectives. Your strategic insights will be crucial in high-level decision-making processes.
Building strong and effective relationships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders, including local authorities, transport operators, businesses, and community groups, will be key. You'll leverage these relationships to drive collaborative efforts and achieve shared goals. Additionally, you'll take on an ambassadorial role, representing the MCA in various forums, advocating for the organisation's transport vision and initiatives. You'll be the public face of MCAs transport agenda, engaging with media, policymakers, and the community to build support and drive positive change.
About You
The ideal candidate will be a highly experienced and credible transport expert, ready to take the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority on an exciting journey to transform transport operations. You will have a proven track record of seeing major transport programmes from start to finish, with experience working with or within the public sector. You should possess exceptional strategic leadership skills, with the ability to set a compelling vision for the organisation and inspire your team to achieve it. Navigating complex challenges and making informed decisions that drive progress and innovation will be crucial.
A deep understanding of governance processes and a commitment to ensuring strong internal governance are critical. You should be skilled at developing and implementing robust frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making. Demonstrating keen political awareness and navigating the political landscape effectively is essential. You understand the importance of stakeholder engagement and are skilled at building and maintaining positive relationships with key influencers and decision-makers.
You excel at engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, from Local Authorities and transport operators to businesses and community groups. As a skilled communicator and negotiator, you can build consensus and drive collaborative efforts. Extensive experience in commissioning and managing large-scale projects is necessary. You are adept at overseeing complex procurement processes, ensuring value for money, and delivering high-quality outcomes.
Resilience, collaboration, and energy are key personal attributes. You thrive in dynamic environments and are able to manage multiple priorities effectively. As a natural multi-tasker, you can balance the operational requirements and strategic pressures of this role. You are organised, efficient, and able to keep projects on track. Highly influential and comfortable being the spokesperson for the organisation on all things transport, you are an engaging communicator, able to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
Full details about the role and working at the Mayoral Combined Authority can be found here:
https://berwickpartners.co.uk/opportunities/assignment/93066/
For an informal conversation on the role, please contact:
Marek Dobrowolski
Marek.dobrowolski@berwickpartners.co.uk
+ 44 7793 529 576
Corinne Attwood
Corinne.Attwood@berwickpartners.co.uk
+44 (0) 121 654 5954
By registering your interest in this vacancy you are agreeing that your information may be shared for recruitment purposes, between Berwick Partners and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
About the Company
Our offer
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer an excellent benefits package including:
- 26/31 days annual Leave
- Generous Employer-Contribution Pension Scheme
- Reduced fare bus travel across the West of England
- Flexible and hybrid working options from day one to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals.
The West of England is an amazing part of the world to live and work. We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, just 10-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.
We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We ensure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status. We are also proud to have been accredited as a Living Wage Employer and a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter.
Please contact us at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk to share with us any additional support you may need during the recruitment process.
We do not engage with recruitment agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.