Principal Transport Planner

We are looking for a Principal Transport Planner to join our busy team on a permanent basis.

This is a very varied role which will make full use of your transport planning modelling skills and experience, as part of an expert team, using regionally important tools like MiHam, and Miranda, and emerging new tools related to freight and logistics which you will help develop.

We require someone with excellent strategic planning and modelling skills, able to play a key role in our ambitious transport agenda.

As Principal Transport Planner, your role is crucial to secure funding to help improve the Midlands. Using your Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG) and Green Book knowledge, you will be heavily involved in creating business cases and a range of related tasks using all your modelling and analytic skills and experience.

This role requires someone who thrives under pressure and works in a timely manner to meet deadlines. You will be confident and knowledgeable in your field and enjoy building strong relationships at peer and senior level with our local authorities, funders (principally DfT), other partners, and consultants. You will also work closely with other teams here on the information our team’s work relies on, and with teams responsible for project and service delivery too. 

We need someone who is highly organised, conscientious, thorough, precise, structured and enthusiastic.

What you will be doing

• Update and operate a range of models, principally Miham and Miranda and provide expertise on demand and accessibility modelling and appraisal, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and economic analysis, including wider economic benefits and regeneration impacts.
• Work with the team to update and replace these models and tools, and data, as required.
• Manage consultants undertaking transport planning work including preparation of briefs and specify and procure term contract agreements.
• Manage junior team members in transport planning work day-to-day and assist with their learning and development.
• Define, manage and co-ordinate activities to deliver major scheme bids submissions, including co-ordination of input from all relevant parties.
• Monitor project programmes, budget allocations and spending on transport planning projects.
• Carry out project risk assessments for scheme evaluations and funding bids.
• Provide technical support on project assurance processes.
• Work closely with key internal and external organisations on transport planning issues and provide transport planning support in negotiations with external organisations.

What’s essential

• A proven record in Transport Planning, strategic modelling, and project management
• Experience of contract management and managing consultants
• Detailed knowledge of transport modelling techniques and scheme appraisal including M&E
• Good working knowledge of current Government guidance on transport appraisal, Local Transport Plans, and funding bid submissions
• Good organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Good communication, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Strong negotiation 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.

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)
• 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).