Description
* Hours: 37 hours
* Contract: Permanent (2 posts)
* Salary: £40,221 - £43,421
* Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the MCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.
Please note that SYMCA follows a structured salary grading system for all roles, and the offered salary for each post will be at the starting point within the specified grade. We value the skills and experience of potential candidates, and there will be opportunities for salary enhancements as you grow within South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is currently in the process of reviewing its terms and conditions of employment including pay and grading. As part of this project, the post advertised may be subject to changes in the near future. All changes and any impact on individual posts will be discussed further should you be successfully appointed to the position you have applied for.
Applications must be accompanied by a covering letter to outline your interest and suitability for the role, please see guidance in the advert below.
Interviews are likely to take place w/c 30th June 2025.
Key Responsibilities
South Yorkshire is delivering one of the most ambitious transport investment programmes in the country. With a multibillion-pound pipeline of transformational projects, this role sits at the heart of shaping policy, setting priorities, and building the evidence base to unlock major funding and deliver real change for the region.
As Transport Policy Officer, you will help to develop and maintain an influential transport policy framework through cross organisational collaboration and partnership working with both local and national stakeholders. You will lead on the integration of all modes of transport, with a specific link to environmental sustainability, regeneration and economic growth, playing a vital role in delivering a fully integrated transport system for South Yorkshire.
You will shape policy that aligns with strategic objectives and adapts to evolving national legislation and funding opportunities. Your work will support delivery of flagship initiatives such as Enhanced Partnerships and bus reform, tram extensions, Park and Ride strategies, and the development of the Key Route Network.
The role is also pivotal in influencing government policy, negotiating with partners, and building consensus to accelerate delivery of South Yorkshire's transport ambitions. You will contribute directly to the ongoing development and implementation of the Local Transport Plan and associated delivery strategies, ensuring that they are current, robust, evidence led and fully aligned to regional priorities.
Key responsibilities include:
* Develop integrated transport policy using insights from across SYMCA and external partners.
* Shape and inform the Local Transport Plan and supporting strategies using analytical tools and modelling.
* Prepare evidence-led briefings, reports, and presentations for senior stakeholders, including the Mayor and national partners.
* Provide expert advice to the Mayoral Combined Authority and advisory boards on transport policy and strategy.
* Represent SYMCA in pan-northern and national forums, influencing wider transport policy.
* Identify funding opportunities and support the development of strategic business cases.
* Build strong internal and external relationships to influence outcomes and deliver results.
* Commission and manage external consultants to support policy development.
* Conduct horizon scanning and research to ensure SYMCA remains informed and responsive to emerging trends and innovations.
* Undertake individual policy projects and contribute to the delivery of SYMCA’s strategic priorities.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
We are looking for someone with a strong foundation in transport and land use policy, combined with a good understanding of transport business case processes, specifically the strategic and economic case. You will be confident working in a fast paced, political environment, able to handle complex technical information and translate it into clear, evidence based advice to support investment decisions.
You will have excellent relationship building skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and influence decision making at senior levels. Strategic thinking, strong communication skills and a focus on delivering work that supports real world outcomes are all essential
*In your covering letter, we would like you to provide evidence of your competence in the following areas;
* A good understanding of local government practice and governance with experience working in a complex, political environment.
* Experience providing advice or recommendations to senior leaders.
* Experience of working on a transport related programme, project or policy.
* The ability to analyse complex data and summarise key issues for action.
* A strategic mindset and the ability to align transport within the broader policy environment.
Benefits
All colleagues have access to a local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.
In addition to the above, some of benefits include -
Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave
Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time.
Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway!
Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on the job training and qualifications
Holiday – Up to 36 days annual leave (depending on length of service). Pro-rata for part time colleagues.
Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority
Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the SYMCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.
In recent years significant funding has been secured through the Transforming Cities Fund and a devolution deal, and further funding has recently been secured through the region’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. As result we have a large and growing capital programme to deliver in support of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Mayor’s 2040 vision for transport. Join our workforce of talented people who love working together – and are proud of the work they do. Progression here can take you in all kinds of directions.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is currently in the process of reviewing its terms and conditions of employment including pay and grading. As part of this project, the post advertised may be subject to changes in the near future. All changes and any impact on individual posts will be discussed further should you be successfully appointed to the position you have applied for.
This is what a career at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is like, and this is where yours starts.