Closing date: 25 May 2026
Salary: £32,597- £36,363 per annum
About the role
Are you passionate about making a real difference in how people travel in Somerset? Join us as a Senior Travel Plan Implementation Officer and help shape the way communities travel – whether they’re brand new or well established. By collaborating with stakeholders, local authorities, and developers, your innovative ideas and proactive approach will directly impact the daily journeys and foster a culture of sustainable transport.
Role Summary
You’ll be responsible for coordinating, developing and delivering travel planning activities for new and existing communities across Somerset. From overseeing the delivery of travel planning activities to developing quotes and supporting programme development, you’ll ensure that every initiative meets the requirements of the Travel Plan, all while providing advice on travel planning policy.
You will lead on the implementation of behaviour change initiatives to reduce reliance on private car use, support the achievement of agreed travel plan targets, and provide specialist advice on travel planning legislation and policy. You will contribute to funding bids and programme development, ensuring that statutory and contractual obligations are met in relation to sustainable transport.
Your ability to lead, organise, and inspire will be crucial in achieving agreed targets and supporting the growth of vibrant, connected communities. With your expertise and enthusiasm, you’ll help Somerset embrace sustainable mobility, making everyday journeys easier and better for everyone.
What You’ll Do - Key Responsibilities
* Develop, manage and undertake travel planning and travel demand activities in new communities.
* Acting for the Highway Authority, develop, plan and undertake a range of travel demand management and behaviour change activities designed to reduce car travel.
* Recommend appropriate programmes of intervention to achieve travel plan targets for specific communities and suggest appropriate resourcing solutions.
* Manage an activity budget, including forecasting income levels and expenditure, ensuring spend remains in budget.
* Organise and attend community events, promote and carry out annual travel surveys.
* Undertake site visits to monitor implementation of agreed travel plan measures.
Essential
* Sound working knowledge of travel planning, travel demand management, and behaviour change principles, including relevant legislation, planning policy, and best practice.
* Understanding of the role of the Highway Authority in relation to planning conditions, Section 106 agreements, and other legal or contractual obligations linked to new development.
* Proven experience of developing, coordinating, and implementing travel plans or travel demand management initiatives for new or existing communities.
* Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders, including developers, consultants, local authorities, and community groups.
* Experience of advising colleagues or external partners on transport or travel planning matters, including legislation and best practice.
* Experience of managing budgets, forecasting income and expenditure, and overseeing financial transactions.
* Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in transport planning, travel planning, sustainable transport, planning, geography, or a related discipline.
* Ability to plan, prioritise, and manage a varied workload, balancing multiple projects and deadlines.
* Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to recommend appropriate interventions and resourcing solutions.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and present information clearly to a range of audiences.
* Ability to work collaboratively while also operating with a high degree of professional autonomy.
Desirable
* Specialist knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of travel plan performance.
* Experience of delivering behaviour change programmes at a community or organisational level.
* Experience of contributing to or preparing funding bids related to transport or sustainable travel initiatives.
* Recognised professional qualification or working towards membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. transport, planning, or sustainability).
* Ability to use monitoring data and performance information to evaluate outcomes and inform future programmes.
* Experience of commissioning or managing external suppliers or consultants.
Additional Information
* This is a permanent, full‑time role working 37 hours a week. The role involves frequent travel across rural areas of Somerset, and lone working on occasion.
* 30 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
* The postholder will be required to attend meetings and events which are often outside normal working hours.
* Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.
A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.
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