Job Introduction
Are you passionate about shaping a high‑quality, reliable, and future‑focused bus network for communities across the West of England? We are looking for an outstanding leader to become our next Head of Bus Network, Services and Compliance—a senior role central to delivering a safe, efficient and accessible public transport system that supports the Mayor’s ambitious transport vision.
Reporting to the Director of Bus Operations, you will provide strategic leadership and expert oversight of the planning, delivery and compliance of the region’s bus network. You will lead the contracted network, advise on commercial services, and act as the Combined Authority’s principal authority on bus service delivery.
With responsibility for statutory and regulatory functions, you will oversee relationships with the Traffic Commissioner, enforcement bodies and operators, ensuring services consistently meet legal, safety and quality standards. You will also manage a multi‑disciplinary team, direct significant budgets and deliver high‑quality monitoring, reporting and assurance to stakeholders.
A key part of your role will be designing and optimising the network—shaping routes, timetables and service standards. You will drive innovation and efficiency, ensuring a relentless focus on punctuality, accessibility and user experience.
Working closely with the Mayor, councillors, local authorities and operators, you will foster strong collaboration and ensure network changes align with wider transport strategies. You will play a key role in identifying infrastructure needs, securing funding, and supporting a pipeline of service improvements across the region.
If you are an influential, collaborative, confident leader with deep knowledge of bus service delivery and a passion for improving public transport for communities, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now and help shape the future of bus travel across the West of England.
You’ll find out more in the job description, but If you have any questions about the role or would like to have an informal conversation with the hiring manager, please contact The Resourcing Team resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk
To find out more about us and our Transport vision please visit us:
https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/transport/
The closing date for this role is Monday 04 May 2026.
The interviews are planned to be held on Monday 11 May 2026 at our offices at 70 Redcliff St, Bristol BS1 6AL, but please note the date may change.
About the Company
Our Offer
Alongside the opportunity to lead change, drive strategic initiatives, and make a real difference in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:
- 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous or reckonable service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
- 1 day of paid leave each year to volunteer
- Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 15.3%
- Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
- Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England
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, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.
The salary for this role is £72,424 to £79,895. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.
We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.
Good Employment Charter
As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.
Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.
From a recruitment agency? We’re not engaging with 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.
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