Job Introduction
Are you ready to shape the future of public transport across the West of England? We are seeking an exceptional leader to become our next Head of Bus Partnerships and Performance—a pivotal role at the heart of delivering the Mayor’s transport vision and enhancing the bus network for communities across the region.
You will drive a high‑performing, fully integrated public transport system, using data‑driven insights, strong partnerships, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
In this influential senior leadership role, you will take responsibility for monitoring and improving network performance, analysing punctuality, reliability, accessibility, and the overall quality of services. You will also lead procurement and management of bus service contracts, ensuring value for money and delivering positive outcomes for passengers and operators.
Success in this role relies on outstanding stakeholder management. You’ll work with unitary authorities, operators, politicians, community groups, and senior leaders to foster a genuine ‘One Team’ culture across the network. As the principal advisor to transport strategy, capital delivery and operational teams, you will champion innovation and user‑focused design in every aspect of service development.
You will represent the Combined Authority at senior forums, deputise for the Director of Bus Operations, and manage budgets for contracted services, concessionary fares and community transport. Leading and developing a multidisciplinary team, you will set high expectations, build capability and drive meaningful change.
If you are a confident, collaborative leader with a passion for improving public transport and delivering high‑quality services for communities, we’d 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 Wednesday 29 April 2026.
The interviews are planned to be held on Wednesday 06 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 13.7%
- 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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