Transport Strategy Lead (Innovation, Policy & Implementation)
Location: East Midlands
Employment Status: Permanent
Salary: £47,181 - £52,413
About the Role
This is a defining moment for transport in the East Midlands. As the region's Local Transport Authority, EMCCA is at the forefront of shaping a bold, future-focused Mayor's Transport Plan - driving forward a transformational investment programme worth over £2 billion. This is more than infrastructure; it's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine how people connect, travel, and thrive across the region.
We are seeking a Transport Strategy Lead (Innovation, Policy & Implementation) to take a leading role in developing and delivering priority transport policy areas. This includes zero emission vehicles and electric vehicle infrastructure, active travel, future mobility solutions, and digital and data strategy.
This is a senior, high-impact role where you will drive regional progress, deliver complex programmes, and shape how emerging technologies and policy innovations improve connectivity and sustainability across the region.
Our region is home to award-winning bus companies, an established tram system, the HQ of the new GB Railways, and birthplace of the first workplace parky levy in Europe - this is a region with both track record and vision.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development and delivery of innovative transport policy areas, including zero-emission vehicles, EV infrastructure, active travel, and future mobility solutions
Design, manage and deliver major funding programmes, including multi-million-pound investment in EV infrastructure and new mobility technologies
Lead procurement, commissioning and contract management of innovative transport schemes and services
Develop and coordinate the regional approach to active travel, working closely with national, regional and local partners to drive implementation and outcomes
Scope and develop the transport digital and data strategy, ensuring alignment with wider organisational priorities and enabling evidence-led decision-making
Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team, including setting work plans, performance targets, and overseeing consultants and suppliers
Build and maintain strong strategic relationships across local authorities, government bodies, industry partners and other stakeholders
Commission and oversee research and analytical work, ensuring robust evidence bases to support policy and investment decisions
Provide expert advice and briefings to senior leadership, elected members and governance bodies
Establish effective project governance arrangements, including performance monitoring, risk management, and reporting
Manage programme budgets (circa £10 million), including financial planning, procurement and contract oversight
Identify and secure additional funding opportunities, including leading the development of bids and strategic business cases
Ensure compliance with corporate, legal and statutory requirements, including the management of sensitive dataLeadership Responsibilities
Provide strong leadership and direction, fostering a collaborative, high-performing and accountable team culture
Support staff development through coaching, mentoring and professional development opportunities
Ensure clear communication across teams and stakeholders, promoting transparency and engagement
Manage team resources effectively to ensure delivery of strategic prioritiesAbout You
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking transport professional with a strong background in innovation, policy development, and programme delivery. Please note, you do not need to meet every requirement to apply - if you feel you'd be a good fit, we encourage you to put in an application.
Essential Skills and Experience:
Extensive experience in transport innovation, future mobility, or zero emission vehicles policy and strategy
Proven experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary programmes and delivering projects across organisational boundaries
Strong experience in funding acquisition, programme commissioning, and delivery of large-scale investment portfolios
Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build partnerships at all levels
Experience overseeing procurement processes and managing contracts with external providers
Strong financial management skills, including budget setting, monitoring and control
Ability to interpret complex data and evidence to inform policy decisions and strategic direction
Excellent communication skills, with experience preparing briefings and reports for senior leaders and elected membersDesirable:
Knowledge of emerging transport technologies and evolving regulatory frameworks
Experience commissioning technical and analytical work to support strategy development
Professional membership with a relevant institution (e.g. CIHT, ICE, TPS)Qualifications
Degree (or equivalent experience) in transport planning, engineering, public policy, geography or a related discipline
Evidence of ongoing professional development in a relevant field
Membership of a relevant professional body is desirableWhy Join EMCCA
This role offers a unique opportunity to lead on some of the most forward-looking and impactful areas of transport policy. You will shape how innovation, technology and sustainability are integrated into regional transport systems, influencing outcomes at scale.
EMCCA provides a collaborative and ambitious environment, with a strong commitment to evidence-led decision-making and partnership working. You will be at the forefront of delivering meaningful change, with significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
Benefits
Up to 10 days paid leave in a 12-month period for caring responsibilities
Healthcare cash plan
A hybrid work model with remote working opportunities
Local Government Pension Scheme
Flexible working hours
Maternity, Paternity, IVF, Adopters and Foster Carers support
Discount scheme
Car Benefit Scheme
Cycle to Work Scheme
30 days holiday (plus 2 with continuous service) + bank holidays + your birthday (up to five extra days through salary sacrifice)
Costco Membership
Discounted Gym Membership
Professional Membership Scheme
Car Parking Discounts
Car Sharing SchemeOur Values
We lift our regionWe always put the prosperity of the East Midlands region and its people first when carrying our roles and achieving strategic outcomes
We work togetherWe always challenge each other to be exceptional, embracing collaboration and acting to lift rather than win, working as one team
We make an impactWe always make decisions that are evidence led and which strengthen our region systemically. We hold ourselves to account for our actions
We are humanWe always take pride in who we are and the diversity we bring, communicating authentically and showing genuine interest in one anotherAbout EMCCA
EMCCA is focused on delivering long-term, systemic impact for the people, businesses and places of the East Midlands. Through devolution, the authority has the powers, funding and partnerships to drive transformative change.
With a strong pipeline of projects and a clear strategic vision, this is a unique opportunity to help shape the region's future at a critical time.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of everything EMCCA do. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered, regardless of background or identity.
EMCCA is a Disability Confident organisation, committed to inclusive recruitment and supporting people with disabilities to thrive in the workplace. We also support the Care Leavers Covenant, recognising the challenges faced by care-experienced individuals and providing opportunities and support to help them succeed.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced professional with the ambition and expertise to lead innovative transport policy and delivery at a regional level, we encourage you to apply now to join our client's dedicated team within the East Midlands Combined County Authority.
Reach out to the team at Matchtech