Head of Buses Business Development

At Transport for London (TfL), we keep London moving and working. Every day, our services connect communities, support economic growth and help make London a greener, safer and more inclusive city.

Within our Surface Transport – Bus Services directorate, we manage one of the largest and most complex bus networks in the world, balancing customer needs, safety, financial sustainability and political expectations. We are committed to continuous improvement, innovation and developing leaders who empower their people to deliver their best for Londoners.

About the role

As Head of Buses Business Development you will play a critical leadership role in shaping the future of London’s bus services. Operating in a highly complex, politically and commercially sensitive environment, you will provide strategic direction across bus business development, contract management and performance, ensuring services deliver value for money while meeting Mayoral and organisational priorities.

You will be accountable for the development and management of large-scale, high‑value contracts and programmes such as Bus Safety and Zero Emissions, leading innovation in how bus services are designed, delivered and improved. Acting as a senior sponsor and decision‑maker, you will set clear frameworks that allow the organisation to respond to changing financial, customer and policy demands.

Just as importantly, this is a people leadership role. You will lead and inspire senior, multidisciplinary teams within a unionised, safety‑critical environment, building capability, engagement and a strong customer focused culture. You will role model TfL’s values, champion diversity and inclusion, and create the conditions for your leaders and teams to thrive.

You will also represent TfL with credibility and confidence, engaging with senior internal colleagues, the Mayor’s Office, the GLA, London boroughs, operators and other high‑profile external stakeholders.

About you

You are an experienced, values‑led senior people leader with a strong track record of delivering results through others in large, complex organisations. You bring:

• Proven experience of leading senior teams and managers, developing talent, building engagement and driving high performance in a politically aware, unionised and safety‑focused environment
• A strong record of leading innovation and change, identifying opportunities to improve service delivery, efficiency, customer satisfaction and financial outcomes
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to operate at executive level and influence across organisational, political and commercial boundaries
• Commercial and strategic acumen, with experience of managing large budgets, complex contracts or programmes and delivering value for money
• The ability to balance long term strategic thinking with effective operational decision making in fast moving, high profile environments
• A leadership style that is authentic, inclusive and empowering, with a clear commitment to equality, diversity and safety

Application Process

Please submit an up‑to‑date copy of your CV (no more than 2 A4 pages, Arial size 12) along with a cover letter (no more than 1 A4 page, Arial size 12). We recommend that you consider the motivations, skills, knowledge and experience required for this role and ensure your application outlines where you meet these criteria.

• Closing date for applications will be Tuesday 19th May at 23:59hrs. Please note that if we receive a large number of applications, we will close the advert early. We anticipate for interviews to be held W/C 8th June 2026
• We will make every effort to give you as much notice as possible, however some interviews/assessments could be organised at short notice.

We will be holding a Spotlight session, where you can learn more about the role and have the opportunity to ask the hiring manager questions. This will be held on Teams on the 13th of May at 12pm. To be added onto the event please email your interest over to the above address.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria.

Hybrid Working

Hybrid working within this role enables a balance of 50 per cent of time split between the office and home over a 4‑week period. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements.

In return for your commitment and expertise, you will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the level of role and business area but mostly include:

• Final salary pension scheme.
• Free travel for you on the TfL network.
• Reimbursement of 75% of the cost of a standard class Ticket for National Rail travel from home or 75% reimbursement on a 28-day flexi ticket.
• 30 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays.
• TfL is committed to work‑life balance, operating a hybrid working approach where business and role requirements allow. 50% time in the office.
• Tax‑efficient cycle‑to‑work programme.
• Retail, health, leisure and travel offers.
• Discounted Eurostar travel.
• TfL employees can access electric vehicles through salary sacrifice, making them more affordable. Whether brand‑new or preloved, the scheme helps you save on tax and NI while making a greener choice.

Terms and conditions

NPL Applications

Applications to internally advertised roles can only be accepted from temporary workers who are on PAYE terms via agency, or PAYE via Umbrella Companies. Temporary workers who are paid through their own limited companies are not covered by the Agency Worker Regulations and are ineligible to apply.

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