Transport Connectivity Lead
Fixed Term / Secondment (2 years), Full Time
£46,657 to £54,891 per annum
Location: Chelmsford*
Working Style:
Closing Date: 6th April 2026
*Please note this is a hybrid-working role, with a requirement to attend the Chelmsford office at least 1 day per week, depending on business need.
Essex County Council is committed to working with bus operators to increase the number of people travelling by bus. This role will use data and qualitative research to make informed recommendations through the production of feasibility reports. It is a dynamic role offering significant exposure to shaping the future transport network.
Essex County Council (ECC) has a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which sets out how ECC will increase the number of people travelling by bus. In June 2021 Essex County Council made the formal decision to pursue an Enhanced Partnership (EP), a legally enforceable agreement between LTAs and bus operators whereby both sides agree to introduce a series of measures designed to improve bus services. ECC is committed to undertaking network reviews within each District and this role will be responsible for leading on the rural element of each network review.
The Transport Connectivity Lead will develop the following two projects, as outlined in the BSIP and EP scheme:
1. Thrive – this £15m investment project aims to rejuvenate struggling market town services by improving journey times and frequency, simplifying fares, improving roadside infrastructure and providing a locally focused publicity.
2. Reach - this £81m investment project aims to digitalise the five existing Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) services and expand the DRT network so public transport becomes a viable option for those residents living in rural areas.
The role will lead on analysing current access to bus provision and identifying unmet needs, in coordination and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. They will be responsible for drafting specifications for the services, and work with relevant ECC teams and the commercial sector to through delivery sustainable outcomes for Essex residents.
This role requires a candidate with excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills as you will be working with a diverse team to interpret large amounts of data. This is a passenger-centric role, working to translate the needs of the passengers into improving rural transport services through data analysis and qualitative research.
This is a dynamic role offering significant exposure to an innovative digital product, transport operations and business development.
Role responsibilities
Support the implementation of the ECC BSIP reporting to Lead for Commercial Operations.
Lead on identifying unmet needs in rural Essex, working collaboratively with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
Lead on the development of the Thrive and Reach Projects, working with colleagues through matrix management to write business cases, governance and funding applications.
Draft specifications for identified new DRT or market town services, and lead on the procurement of services, working with the relevant teams within Essex.
Define, coordinate and oversee all logistical and technical aspects of digitalising existing DRT services.
Implement the Thrive and Reach projects, working closely with ECC’s operations, marketing and technology teams, as well as external partners and suppliers.
Manage and periodically report on scheme KPI’s, monitoring and evaluation metrics, as agreed within the BSIP, including customer satisfaction.
Adeptly interpret and utilise proprietary data to generate insights and make operational and business recommendations that will ensure commercial viability of the D-DRT schemes.
Monitor and approve project budget spending, keep stakeholders updated on progress and escalate any risks.
Develop strong working relationships with suppliers, operator and other relevant partners; whilst also evaluating, analysing and understanding the voice of the passenger through a variety of data sources and other anecdotal evidence.
Design and undertake periodic qualitative and quantitative research (. drafting, disseminating and analysing passenger surveys). Participate in market research to identify new opportunities for new and existing features and functionalities.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Bachelors Degree in Transport Planning, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field. Masters degree is preferred.
Ideal candidate should have a background in transport (operations and/or consulting), preferably in the public sector and with in-depth knowledge of the Digital Demand Responsive Transport (D-DRT) industry.
Extensive experience in digital product management or project management.
Strong analytical, prioritisation, and negotiating skills.
Passionate about building digital products and solving customer and business problems.
Experience writing and responding to applications for funding or competitions (. Innovate UK and DfT).
Demonstratable experience managing business relationships and stakeholders.
Problem solver with exceptional analytical and quantitative skills.
Why Essex? Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest – Basildon and Harlow – are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career. Read more about us
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
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