Modelling and Appraisal Lead

If you have extensive experience of transport appraisal, modelling and economics, we want to hear from you.

Midlands Connect is offering an exciting opportunity for a Modelling and Appraisal Lead to drive the development of robust business cases that underpin our Strategic Transport Strategy. This brand-new role plays a critical part in shaping the future of transport across the Midlands.

You’ll lead on developing and maintaining our analytical framework, using evidence-based insights to support strategic investment decisions. Collaborating at a national level with key stakeholders—including the Department for Transport, National Highways, Network Rail, Great British Railways, and other Sub-national Transport Bodies—you will apply best-practice methodologies to ensure that our strategy is backed by sound, future-facing analysis.

At Midlands Connect, rigorous transport modelling and appraisal are central to how we demonstrate value to treasury, government, and wider stakeholders. We’re looking for a subject matter expert who can apply and evolve technical methodologies to support a high-quality, data-led programme of investment.

What you will be doing

• Provide guidance and support on business case and appraisal requirements
• Engage with project managers to ensure the relevant application of transport modelling and appraisal techniques are applied
• Work with the Data Lead to ensure appropriate use of cloud IT resources
• Support the Head of Strategy in developing strategic modelling and appraisal capabilities
• Provide scrutiny and assurance of value for money assessments
• Monitor key technical developments and guidelines in modelling, appraisal and economic impacts
• Represent Midlands Connect on national, regional and local transport modelling, appraisal and analysis forums
• Provide relevant information to support the Stakeholder and Communications Directorate with internal and external communications activity, media and political engagement
• Prepare clear and concise reports and presentations 

What’s essential

• Extensive experience of transport appraisal, modelling and economics to inform transport strategy development and infrastructure programmes
• Extensive experience of transport policy and business case development and appraisal, including DfT’s Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG) and HMT Green Book, particularly value for money assessments covering economic, social and environmental impacts
• Experience of engaging and influencing senior officers regarding modelling
• Experience of achieving impact with analysis, clearly communicating the strengths and limitations of analysis and underlying data.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to review and interpret varied and complex information
• Expert knowledge in field of transport demand modelling, forecasting and analysis
• Strong strategic thinker
• Effective communications and influencing skills

Location. 

The location for this role is Alpha Tower, Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham, B1 1TT with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply. 

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

• Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
• Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
• Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
• 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)
• 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.

About us.

Midlands Connect researches, develops, and progresses transport projects which will provide the biggest possible environmental, economic, and social benefits for the Midlands and the rest of the UK. Our aim of these improvements is to transform regional and UK gateways, bringing the Midlands closer together and accelerating cost-effective improvements to unlock east-west connectivity that will enable the Midlands’ economies to work more effectively together.

We’re ambitious, forward thinking and determined to find better ways of working, always leading the way in what we do. We trust and support each other to get the job done, and encourage creativity, originality, and curiosity from those who work with us. We’re committed to creating an accessible and diverse workplace, one that nurtures an inclusive environment where our people can be themselves.

Our accountable body is the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) who support us through providing HR, finance, and governance support to help deliver our priorities.

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 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).