Job Description
3 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
The Combined Authority is seeking to appoint a Bus Services Manager to lead the development, oversight and delivery of bus services across York and North Yorkshire.
The postholder will exercise the Mayor’s powers over bus services, ensuring that current operations and any future reform models—such as franchising or other forms of enhanced delivery—reflect the Mayor’s priorities and strategic ambitions.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver, develop and advise on the Mayor’s statutory powers relating to bus services and future reform options.
* Lead the review and expansion of interventions within existing Enhanced Partnerships and explore alternative delivery models, including franchising.
* Support the development of a single, region-wide Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) in collaboration with internal and external partners.
* Assess evidence, data and performance to inform policy decisions, business cases and investment proposals.
* Work collaboratively with City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council teams responsible for day-to-day bus operations.
* Ensure alignment between local delivery functions and the Mayor’s priorities for bus services.
* Monitor and influence bus operator performance, service quality, reliability and customer experience.
* Support the effective delivery of supported bus services, concessionary travel, passenger information and Park & Ride as part of a coordinated regional network.
* Lead multiple workstreams within a complex programme environment, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes.
* Develop project plans, risk assessments, briefing papers and reports for senior managers, the Mayor and governance boards.
* Drive continuous improvement across the regional bus network through evidence-led interventions and collaborative working.
* Build and maintain effective relationships with bus operators, local authorities, passenger groups, regional partners and national organisations such as DfT.
* Represent the Combined Authority in strategic forums, consultations, working groups and partnership boards.
* Engage communities and service users to ensure their needs, feedback and experiences shape service improvements.Provide leadership, direction and support to staff involved in bus service development and delivery.
* Foster a positive, collaborative working culture committed to delivering high-quality outcomes for passengers.
* Contribute to future workforce planning and the establishment of a dedicated delivery team as bus reform plans progress.
Requirements
* Strong understanding of bus service delivery within a public sector or local authority environment.
* Knowledge of Bus Service Improvement Plans, Enhanced Partnerships and bus reform models including franchising.
* Understanding of public transport policy, stakeholder engagement and statutory frameworks affecting bus operations.
* Proven experience leading or managing bus service-related projects, programmes or partnerships.
* Experience motivating and guiding high-performing teams.
* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a complex, multi-agency environment.
* Experience working collaboratively with operators, local authorities or transport partners.
* Strong organisational, planning and programme management skills.
* Excellent communication, negotiation and partnership-building abilities.
* Ability to interpret data, produce clear reports and make evidence-based decisions.
* Ability to work confidently with senior leaders, elected members and external stakeholders.
* Commitment to delivering improvements that align with the Mayor’s priorities and enhance outcomes for passengers.