Job Introduction

This is an exciting time to work for the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA), who are developing and delivering over £1bn of transport infrastructure schemes to help get the region moving and unlock economic growth.

Led by the regional Metro Mayor, the West of England Combined Authority brings together three local councils, the Local Enterprise Partnership and works with communities, other public services, and industry to deliver for the region.

You will be a key player as we deliver on the big transport improvements people in the region need and deserve, changing how people travel, making journeys affordable, reliable, enjoyable, and safe, helping to enable economic growth.

The MCA is seeking to appoint a Head of Mass Transit to lead the development of the region's mass transit programme within the Transport Directorate. The successful candidate will be an engaging and influential leader, with experience of leading the delivery of complex and nationally significant infrastructure schemes.

This role will lead on delivering a key priority for the Metro Mayor. The responsibilities for the role include:

Lead the strategic programme of mass transit and its constituent projects ensuring the programme is designed, delivered, managed and controlled in an effective manner in order to achieve the intended benefits and goals.
To direct the development, design and construction of a regionally important transport programme.
Lead delivery of project outputs in accordance with the Combined Authority’s internal and external governance requirements.
Direct the delivery, quality verification and assurance of high-quality business cases to bid for project funding through the Authority’s governance system, Central Government and other funders.
Direct the commissioning, procurement and management of technical resources required for the design and delivery of complex projects and programmes.
Direct the procurement of design and construction contracts and subsequent contractual management.
Lead and oversee the governance and assurance of the programme.
Lead the programme's progress to internal and external stakeholders and through the democratic governance structure of the Combined Authority.
Provide guidance and support to the Mayor in translating their political objectives and priorities into coherent plans and a programme that will deliver the intended outcomes for the West of England.
Present complex infrastructure projects clearly and concisely in plain English to a range of stakeholders including the local media and politicians.
Accountable for delivery of outputs leading to successful outcomes and benefit realisation.
Accountable for regular reporting of the programme's progress to a range of stakeholders and public organisations

If you are someone who has excellent leadership skills with the ability to direct multiple project teams over a large portfolio; are you an outstanding communicator, collaborator and able to engage and influence people with a range of interests; and have experience of leading the delivery of complex infrastructure projects then this can be the role for you.

If this is your next role, please apply so you can tell us why you'd be a great fit. Please see the job description for more information.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have an informal conversation with the hiring manager, please contact Chris Salmon, Head of Transport Programmes at christopher.salmon@westofengland-ca.gov.uk or via resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk

The interviews are planned to be held in late July/early August 2025. Please note this may be subject to change.

The closing date for this role is 20th July 2025.

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 £79, 262 - £86, 642. 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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