Enhanced Partnership Manager Combined Authority

Job reference REQ Date posted 25/09/2026 Final date to receive applications 18/10/2026 Location PENRITH Salary 48,738. Package Blank Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Attachments Blank

Job description

Salary: £48 738 - £49 817

Location:

Penrith (including agile working and working from home)
Contract Type:
Permanent

Cumbria is entering a bold new chapter.

The creation of the Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock the full potential of one of England’s most distinctive places. With devolution bringing new powers, new investment and a directly elected Mayor from May 2027, the Authority will play a central role in driving inclusive growth, improving public services and championing the needs of communities across Cumbria.

As we establish the organisation, we are seeking a Enhanced Partnership Manager to join us on our journey.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of bus services across Cumbria at a pivotal moment for transport delivery and devolution.

The Cumbria Combined Authority is now responsible for providing strategic leadership for transport across Cumbria and is developing a new Local Transport Plan, Local Transport Delivery Plan and long-term approach to public transport investment. As part of this, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Enhanced Partnership Manager to lead the ongoing development and delivery of Cumbria's Enhanced Bus Partnership.

Working directly with bus operators, constituent councils, communities, government and industry partners, you will play a leading role in delivering the Bus Service Improvement Plan and helping to create a bus network that is reliable, accessible, integrated and focused on customer needs

The role provides the opportunity to influence public transport policy and investment across one of England's largest and most distinctive geographies, supporting communities ranging from major towns and employment centres to remote rural and coastal areas.

You will be at the heart of Cumbria's public transport transformation, helping to deliver improvements to services, infrastructure, passenger experience and network performance while contributing to wider ambitions around economic growth, social inclusion, decarbonisation and connectivity.

We are looking for an individual with a strong understanding of public transport, partnership working and service improvement who can turn policy ambitions into practical delivery.

You will bring experience of working within transport, public transport, local government or a related sector and will be comfortable operating in a partnership environment involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience of managing complex partnerships, programmes or projects.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to build productive relationships with operators, local authorities and government bodies.
• Experience of analysing data and using evidence to support decision-making and service improvement.
• Excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• An understanding of bus policy, Enhanced Partnerships, Bus Service Improvement Plans and public transport delivery models.
• The ability to influence, negotiate and achieve outcomes through collaboration and partnership working.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is passionate about improving public transport and understands the vital role that buses play in…