Director of Public Transport Operations

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. A strong public transport network supports good economic and inclusive growth.

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.

Please note, applications must be accompanied by a detailed personal statement to outline your interest and suitability for the role (no more than 4 A4 sides long).

Interviews are expected to take place towards the end of January/early February 2025.

A relocation package may be considered for Director positions.

Key Responsibilities

As our Director of Public Transport Operations you will:

• Lead the directorate and be responsible for the delivery of public transport operations across South Yorkshire (NB this includes overseeing the tendered services and transport integration but does not directly include managing drivers).
• Develop, seek support for and implement multi-year plans to improve the customer experience and the evolving needs of the public transport network in South Yorkshire, enabling over 65 million bus journeys, 8 million tram journeys and 5 million rail journeys per year.
• Deliver customer-focussed services which make use of new technologies and enable the effective use of the region's public transport network, connecting people to places, jobs, education and social opportunities to drive economic benefit.
• Ensure that all services are delivered safely and ensure that we comply with statutory and discretionary obligations on concessionary travel for 500,000 people in South Yorkshire, undertaking around 29 million trips per year;
• Working closely with key stakeholders across the public transport network including commercial operators in bus, light and heavy rail and community transport, and Local Authority partners to ensure SYMCA plans are aligned to the commercial market.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A strong background in public transport with a practical understanding of transport networks, analysis and appraisal; a proven track record of effective leadership, strategic thinking and change management, including supporting and empowering others to take ownership and accountability of outcomes.
• The role needs first class strategic transport thinking and an understanding of the practical realities of real world delivery.
• With your proven ability of leadership at senior level you will work in a collaborative manner with the elected Mayor and Council Leaders, senior colleagues and local authority colleagues, commercial operators, external partners, community members and other bodies that interact with this role.
• You will operate on a regional and national stage, influencing Government and key stakeholders.

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.