Do you have experience in bus scheduling and network design?
Are you highly analytical and a creative problem solver? If so, this may be the perfect role for you.
Our Bus Services team are looking for two Bus Service Specialists to be responsible for the day-to-day operational management of subsidised buses in the West Midlands. Supporting the Bus Services Manager, you will positively influence and challenge bus operators to shape the bus network across the West Midlands, to deliver the policy objectives of the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Our Bus Services team have £19 million worth of funding to make sure that we provide a network service that meets the needs of the travelling public. By reviewing the performance of buses and working in partnership with bus operators and local stakeholders to review and design subsidised bus services, you will contribute to the strategic development and future planning of the bus network.
This is a great opportunity to make a real difference to bus passengers and make sure that our services meet their expectations and needs. We need someone who can work collaboratively, is able to influence decisions and genuinely cares about our customers.
Do you have experience in bus scheduling and network design?
What you will be doing.
- Identify geographical areas of the West Midlands not meeting adopted access standards due to gaps in the commercial network and design provision to meet identified need
- Develop and maintain robust schedules for subsidised bus services, working in partnership with our Bus Performance Team.
- Support the procurement process for the provision of subsidised bus services.
- Negotiate effectively with local bus operators to agree any required changes to contract specifications based upon analysis of punctuality and passenger demand
- Accurately manage and maintain a portfolio of subsidised bus contracts, ensuring they deliver value for money and perform to contracted standards.
- Advise on bus service requirements for new developments and deliver developer-funded services in line with S106 conditions.
- Work with the Network Support and Contracts Co-ordinator to closely monitor subsidised bus contract performance and identify corrective action where needed
- Provide advice and support for the effective management of planned and un-planned events affecting the highways within the region.
- Undertake review of bus service registrations as part of our Registration Authority function.
- Investigate and provide responses to stakeholder queries.
- Work with the Passenger Information and Integrated Data teams to provide accurate and timely information to passengers.
What’s essential.
- Experience of dealing with and understanding the workings of public and statutory organisations, specifically local transport and highways authorities.
- Experience of bus scheduling and bus timetable development.
- Experience of working with or within local bus operators.
- Understanding of local bus operations and the associated regulatory environment.
- Ability to work well under pressure and to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Good and demonstrable interpersonal, communication, customer service and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to negotiate effectively.
- Ability to produce reports, briefing notes and present data in various formats.
How to apply.
On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will be prompted to register for an account, which you can do using your name and email address. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV when registering. Uploading your CV will auto-populate the employment and education sections of your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have submitted your application. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to check the information is correct and format your profile so that it really stands out.
You will be asked to provide a supporting statement which should evidence (using examples) how your skills and experience match the essential criteria of the role that you are applying for. You will be asked to type your statement into the portal directly. If you have already prepared a supporting statement, then you can simply copy and paste this directly into the application form.
For more information on how to apply, please visit the Applying for a Role Internally page on our intranet or speak to someone in the Recruitment Team.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.
Put the effort into your application - focus on ensuring it matches the criteria required for the job, and is tailored carefully to match your skills, experience, and motivation.
Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.
Reasonable adjustments.
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Recruitment Team. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Salary and benefits.
We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, 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.
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We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK), 28 days paid annual leave (in addition to bank holidays and an option to purchase more leave!), ethical saving options and healthcare plans, paid volunteering days, interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology through your payroll, discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.
Hybrid working and location.
We believe hybrid working is the best way for our organisation to fulfil our commitment to a modern, agile workplace while continuing to provide a great service to our customers. Hybrid working means having flexibility between working in the office and at home on agreed days, where a role allows.
The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 2 days a week spent in the office. Please note, this is the minimum expectation.
Creating an inclusive workplace.
We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We believe that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.
We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future that we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.
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).
Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.
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