Description
* Hours: 37 hours
* Contract: Permanent
* Salary: £54,214 - £58,049
* 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.
In your supporting summary, please outline your interest and suitability for the role (please see the role profile attached).
Key Responsibilities
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is leading a bold and ambitious transformation of the region’s public transport system. As we move towards the delivery of a franchised bus network, we are seeking a strategic leader to join our Bus Reform team. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a modern, integrated, and customer-focused transport network that connects people to jobs, education, and opportunity—while supporting economic growth, sustainability, and social inclusion.
As Head of Franchised Networks, you will play a central role in designing the future of South Yorkshire’s bus network. You will lead the “Future Networks and Integration” workstream within the Bus Franchising Programme. Your work will be critical in ensuring that the new franchised network is not only operationally and commercially viable, but also seamlessly integrated with tram, rail, and active travel modes.
You will be responsible for developing a network that reflects the needs and aspirations of South Yorkshire’s communities, businesses, and local authorities. This includes leading stakeholder engagement, overseeing network reviews, and ensuring that the customer voice is embedded in every stage of the design process. You will also provide strategic advice to senior leaders and represent SYMCA at a regional level, helping to build consensus and drive forward our vision for a world-class transport system.
Key responsibilities include:
* Lead the design and development of a fully integrated, deliverable, and affordable bus network that aligns with South Yorkshire’s wider transport strategy.
* Oversee the “Future Networks and Integration” workstream, including network reviews, stakeholder and community engagement, and the development of a service permit regime for cross-boundary services.
* Ensure integration between bus, rail, tram, and active travel modes.
* Develop compelling proposals for franchised routes that reflect the needs of residents and businesses.
* Use data, intelligence, and AI to inform network design, identify gaps, and drive innovation.
* Manage interdependencies and risks across the franchising programme.
* Provide strategic leadership and advice to the Director, Executive Leadership Team, and political stakeholders, including the Mayor and MCA Board.
* Champion the customer voice, ensuring that community feedback is central to network planning and service design.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced leader with a deep understanding of transport systems and a passion for delivering transformational change. You will bring a blend of strategic thinking, technical expertise, and stakeholder engagement skills to this critical role.
We'd love to hear from candidates with the following:
* Extensive experience in transport or logistics network planning and commercial transport systems.
* A proven track record of leading large-scale, multi-million-pound projects or programmes.
* Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and challenge at all levels.
* A deep understanding of local government or MCA governance, with sound financial and commercial awareness.
* Experience in stakeholder engagement, community consultation, and partnership working.
* The ability to resolve complex problems and deliver innovative, practical solutions.
* A commitment to using data and technology—including AI—to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
* Experience using AI or advanced analytics in transport planning or service design (desirable).
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.