Head of Bus Franchising Network Development

Head of Bus Franchising Network Development

It is an exciting time at Transport for West Midlands, the transport arm of the West Midlands Combined Authority, as the region develops and delivers a franchised bus network. To support the procurement and mobilisation of the network we are recruiting for the new position of Head of Bus Franchising Network Development on a 2 year fixed term basis.

Working in the Integrated Transport Services Directorate leading the Bus Reform (network) Client Team providing strategic leadership, the role is critical to supporting the effective delivery of this complex Programme and Mayoral priority.

What you will be doing:

• You will provide strategic leadership for the development of the franchised bus network for the West Midlands, setting the strategic direction for network design and determining the services to be procured through franchising, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives of the Local Transport Plan.
• You will ensure that an affordable network is provided within the franchise programme within financial availability, as each phase of franchising is delivered working closely with the bus and commercial teams.
• You will provide senior professional assurance to ensure the longer term viability of the network, customer satisfaction, accessibility requirements and wider strategic objectives of the Authority are embedded at the earliest stages of network planning and development.
• You will help shape the contracts to be fully aligned with the procurement strategy, providing strategic direction and assurance for service schedules, procurement documentation and the evaluation of tender submissions.
• Working closely with the bus and commercial teams you will also provide strategic leadership on the development of the operational performance framework required to manage franchised services effectively and will ensure a planned and supported handover to the TfWM Bus Team following each tranche of procurement.
• You will act as a senior industry leader, engaging nationally with other Combined Authorities and transport authorities, Government teams and departments, and industry representatives, leaders and partners to share best practice and contribute to the development of bus franchising policy and practice.

What's essential:

• Experience of strategic leadership, governance and risk management in transport operation and/or delivery of large scale transport programmes.
• Senior experience in bus operations, bus network development, service delivery and an understanding of franchising management.
• Ideally experience of strategic planning, option appraisals and decision making in a public sector and/or regulated environment.

This role is a Fixed Term Contract for a duration of 2 years.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.