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 senior, high‑impact role drives regional progress, delivers complex programmes, and shapes how emerging technologies and policy innovations improve connectivity and sustainability across the region.
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 data
Leadership 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 priorities
About You
We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking transport professional with a strong background in innovation, policy development, and programme delivery. If you feel you would be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.
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 members
Desirable
- 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 desirable.
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 + birthday (up to five extra days through salary sacrifice)
- Costco membership
- Discounted gym membership
- Professional membership scheme
- Car parking discounts
- Car sharing scheme
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of everything EMCCA does. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered, regardless of background or identity.
Disability Confident
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.
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