Transportation Strategy Manager

Devon County Council Contact:
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact  Region:
England
- South West

Location:

Exeter (Devon) Category:
Transport planning Closes: 13 Sep 2026 Salary: £50-75K More info:

Fixed Term until 31st March 2027

Full Time 37 hours per week

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Devon County Council on a fixed-term placement until April 2028 as Transportation Strategy Manager leading our Transport Planning team – this is a pivotal role at a time of significant transformation.

Devon is delivering ambitious transport programmes that support climate action, inclusive economic growth and improved connectivity for our communities. These include major investment through Active Travel and Bus Service Improvement Plan funding, alongside significant rail and road infrastructure projects, following the delivery of the newly adopted Local Transport Plan.

As Transportation Strategy Manager, you will play a leading role in shaping transport planning through a period of Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution. You will help define the future transport function for the Devon area, guiding teams through change while maintaining delivery of key strategic priorities. Working closely with the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority and neighbouring authorities, you will build capability, strengthen partnerships and support the development of a cohesive and effective Local Transport Authority.

You will lead the delivery of the Local Transport Plan, advising on investment priorities while also having input to wider strategic transport initiatives, including lead transport involvement in the public - private sector joint delivery vehicle for the Marlcombe New Town in East Devon. Representing Devon at regional and national forums, you will influence decision-making to secure investment opportunities and help shape transport policy across the South West.

Leading a multidisciplinary team of transport professionals, you will provide clear direction and stability during a period of change. You will create an environment where colleagues feel engaged, supported and empowered to adapt to new ways of working while continuing to deliver excellent outcomes. You will provide expert advice to elected Members and senior officers, represent the Council in senior-level discussions, and oversee the work of consultants and external partners.

We are seeking a visible and collaborative leader with strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills and a proven ability to lead teams through organisational change. You will be confident operating in politically sensitive environments, building trust across organisations and communicating complex issues clearly to a range of audiences. Most importantly, you will be able to bring people with you through periods of uncertainty, fostering an inclusive culture that supports development, resilience and high performance.

If you are excited by the opportunity to lead strategic transport planning while helping shape a new organisational landscape, influence investment that improves lives and supports economic growth, and guide teams successfully through transformation, we would love to hear from you.

Interview Date: w/c 21/09/2026

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes
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