It is an exciting time at West Midlands Combined Authority, with the expansion of our teams to support Franchising in the Bus Network. We are recruiting for the new position of Bus Franchising Network Specialist for a 2 year fixed period.
Working in the Integrated Transport Services (ITS) Directorate supporting the relevant areas of work of the Bus Reform Programme Team providing expert, technical support to deliver the Region’s transition to a franchised bus network across the West Midlands as part of the Bus Reform Programme. This role is critical to the effective delivery of this complex Programme and Mayoral priority.
What you will be doing
- Provide specialist technical and operational input to the Bus Reform Programme to support the development of bus service specifications, ensuring these accurately reflect agreed network design, service levels and operational requirements.
- Support the preparation of bus franchising procurement and contract documentation by contributing detailed network, performance and operational information in line with legislative and governance requirements.
- Contribute knowledge of the West Midlands bus network to support decisions that ensure franchised services are deliverable, affordable and provide value for money.
- Support the development and adoption of an appropriate operational performance regime for franchised bus services, working with relevant teams to ensure readiness from day one of implementation.
- Provide technical input into tender clarification responses and participating in the evaluation of bids in relation to operational and network considerations.
- Support the assessment and implementation of operational measures required for the transition to bus franchising, including service permits and cross boundary service arrangements.
- Ensure that the expertise of TfWM’s existing Bus Team is applied at each stage of the franchising process and ensure the resulting outputs from the procurement process are robust to handoff to the network and contract management teams.
What’s essential
- Experience of working within the bus industry on operational matters, such as service scheduling, network design or operational performance management.
- Experience of contributing to projects or programmes delivered within defined timescales and governance arrangements.
- Experience of working collaboratively within a team environment to support shared objectives and meet deadlines.
- Understanding of the bus market, including the differences between franchised and deregulated bus service delivery models.
- Ability to apply specialist operational knowledge to support the development of service specifications and network design.
- Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise tasks and work flexibly to meet programme deadlines.
Location
The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.
Salary and Benefits
We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
- Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
- 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
- EV car benefit scheme
- Healthcare plans.
- Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
- An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
- 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
- Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
- Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
- Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
- Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.
Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).
Right to Work in the UK
Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
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