Principal Design Officer – Mass Transit at Leeds City Council
Salary: PO4 £46,142 - £49,282; Hours: 37; Contract: Permanent; Location: Merrion House, Leeds.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority is delivering a transformative Mass Transit scheme. As a key partner, Leeds City Council seeks a creative and forward‑thinking Design Officer to shape the visual and functional identity of this major infrastructure initiative. The Principal Design Officer will act as a cross‑boundary resource for both Leeds City Council and Bradford Council on Phase 1 routes between Leeds, Bradford and the city centre.
Responsibilities
* Support the development and delivery of high‑quality design solutions across all stages of the Mass Transit scheme.
* Advise on urban and transport design principles and ensure design quality, functionality and contextual sensitivity embedded throughout planning, construction and operational phases.
* Contribute to statutory and regulatory processes, including the preparation of Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAO) and representation at public inquiries.
* Provide specialist guidance on design integration, drafting of robust planning conditions and design codes.
* Review design proposals, planning applications and technical reports to ensure alignment with design quality standards and strategic objectives.
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to promote inclusive, sustainable and place‑responsive design.
* Maintain effective communication with staff, service users, councillors, trade unions, partners and other stakeholders.
Qualifications
* A relevant qualification or specialist degree in design, planning or a related field.
* Detailed understanding of relevant specialism, legislation and practice.
* Commitment to sustainability in service delivery.
* Experience of working effectively with others to deliver cross‑project outcomes.
* Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Additional Requirements
* Experience with statutory and regulatory processes such as Transport and Works Act Orders and public inquiries.
* Ability to review and assess technical reports, designs and planning applications.
* Knowledge of UK planning policy, legislation and best practice.
* Experience of managing competing priorities and adapting to changing circumstances.
Desirable Requirements
* Leadership experience that empowers colleagues and staff to achieve results.
* Skill in expressing complex design concepts effectively in graphical form.
* Experience in developing and contributing to multi‑stakeholder partnerships.
Benefits
* Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
* Career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
* Range of staff benefits that support wellbeing and financial wellbeing.
How to Apply
Complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.
The invites for interview will be issued in January 2026.
Equality and Diversity
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people.
Right to Work
This role is based in the UK. Candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or by securing an appropriate work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you should consider your eligibility for sponsorship for this role.
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