Transport Strategy Lead
Permanent, Full Time
£57,494 to £67,640 per annum
Location: Chelmsford*
Working Style:
Closing Date: 30th October 2025
*This is a hybrid-working role, with a requirement to work at a functional work location 1-2 days per week on average, depending on business need.
The Sustainable Transport team’s priority is to contribute towards a Safer, Greener, Healthier County by supporting an increased number and proportion of trips by active travel and sustainable transport modes through well designed sustainable transport schemes, providing and promoting credible alternatives to the private motor-vehicle, and where that is not practicable, the transfer to zero emission vehicles. The Transport Strategy Lead will shape and deliver long-term, integrated transport strategies including the new Greater Essex Local Transport Plan (LTP), Place & Movement frameworks, and all supporting policies, contributing to national and regional transport agendas, as well as supporting economic growth, health and wider social outcomes that transport can help deliver.
This individual will be a strategic and flexible thinker with excellent analytical and communication skills, responsible for building responsible for building strong collaborative partnerships both internally and externally to deliver strategies that result in tangible improvements and great outcomes.
This role will liaise directly with strategic partners and internal stakeholders to shape and implement the long-term transport vision, aligning with local, regional, and national
priorities.
Accountabilities
Provide strategic leadership on the development of medium- and long-term transport strategies, including the Greater Essex Local Transport Plan and Place and Movement, that translate into actionable programmes, delivering outcomes and supporting sustainable transport and growth across Essex.
Lead on ECC’s rail and freight work, supporting business cases, strategies and proposals, identifying opportunities for improving connectivity, and securing investment.
Responsible for collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure transport strategies are embedded across council services and aligned with planning, economic growth, housing, and environmental priorities. Provide transport advice and identifying strategic opportunities.
Build and maintain strong external networks with national government, the rail and freight industries, and sub-national transport bodies to influence transport policy and investment; representing the council on regional / national working groups.
Support the work on Local Government Reform and Devolution including providing advice on restructuring transport across the new authorities.
Support the mayoral authority’s strategic transport objectives by aligning Essex’s priorities with regional ambitions, contributing to pan-regional strategies, to co-designing and deliver integrated transport solutions.
Horizon scan and analyse data trends to inform future transport needs and use insights / evidence-led approaches to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and keep strategies relevant.
Responsible for providing clear, tailored support and briefings for Members and stakeholders on key strategic issues, enabling informed decision-making.
Undertake and/or commission distinct pieces of transport related work including research, assessments, business cases and where relevant, effectively manage external consultants.
The Experience You Will Bring
Educated to degree level (or equivalent professional experience), preferably in a transport or environmental discipline.
Experience of leading and / or commissioning transport strategies including scoping, evaluating, procuring and managing external consultants.
Evidence of significant post-qualification experience in land use and transport planning, including statutory transport plans, knowledge of transport legislation, planning frameworks, and key government mission.
Strong understanding of how transport interacts with and supports other social and economic strategies and issues and experience of applying transport policy to these areas with a systems thinking approach.
Exceptional written and communication skills, including the ability to draft and present technical and non-technical briefings to Members, stakeholders and the general public, using audience appropriate language.
Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to build collaborative partnerships across sectors.
Ability to analyse and translate complex data and present strategic insights.
Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area. CIHT, TPS, CILT.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about
, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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