Director of Bus Reform

Are you ready to lead a transformative programme that will shape the future of public transport in the West Midlands? As the Director of Bus Reform, you will be at the forefront of a major change initiative, responsible for creating, evolving, and implementing the entire bus reform programme. This role is crucial in ensuring the bus network supports the region's economic outputs and social equality. 

Please note: this role is offered on an initial fixed term contract period of two years. 

We’re looking for someone who can develop and implement a comprehensive bus reform programme, establish strong working relationships with key stakeholders, deliver key programme milestones, inspire people to achieve significant progress, and ensure that the programme delivers outcomes efficiently and sustainably.

What will you be doing?

• Lead the Bus Reform Team in developing and delivering the programme, including franchising and related tasks.
• Advise and support the executive director on the implementation and delivery status of the Bus Reform Programme.
• Collaborate with various directorates and teams to ensure the programme meets the requirements for transitioning from a deregulated to a regulated bus network.
• Ensure robust contract development, management, and procurement processes to support franchising.
• Oversee the planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation of the bus transformation project, ensuring all milestones and deliverables are met promptly and within budget.
• Provide strategic, effective, and highly visible leadership in developing and managing the bus reform transformation programme.
• Act as a trusted advisor by guiding senior leadership on bus reform-related matters and leading the development of business cases.
• Ensure the bus reform programme supports customer experience and branding requirements.

What’s essential.

• Experienced in business transformation and change management
• Proven ability to work comprehensively with political stakeholders, business leaders, and business stakeholders
• Capable of operating effectively at a senior level within complex organisations to bring about change
• Understanding of risk and how to manage and mitigate risk whilst working at pace
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to develop and maintain partnerships
• Experience in leading the successful design and implementation of strategic roadmaps or programme/portfolio plans
• Excellent communication, persuasion, and influence skills
• Ability to manage key relationships and align business change requirements strategically
• Confident leadership style with evidence of successfully leading and inspiring teams to deliver significant transformational change

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a transformative programme that will shape the future of public transport in the West Midlands. You will be at the forefront of a major change initiative, working with a diverse range of stakeholders to deliver a sustainable and integrated bus network. Your leadership will be pivotal in ensuring the programme's success, delivering outcomes that benefit the community and support the region's economic and social goals.

Location. 

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

Politically Restricted Post

This is a politically restricted post in accordance with Section 2(1) (b) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Employees in politically restricted posts are prevented in having any active political role either in or outside of work.

How to apply. 

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

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.

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, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

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).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you have ample time to relax.
• Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership.
• 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.  

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

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

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).