Franchised Network Lead

Franchised Network Lead

Final date to receive applications: 5 September 2026

Department: Public Transport Operations

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Nathan Broadhead

Compensation: £51,357 - £54,495 / year

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: Grade 11 £ 51,357 - £54,495
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

Help shape the future of bus travel across South Yorkshire.

We are looking for an experienced bus network planning specialist to lead the strategic design, optimisation and implementation of South Yorkshire’s franchised bus network.

This is a senior specialist role at the heart of one of the country’s most significant public transport transformation programmes. The network will be delivered through contracts worth more than £700 million and will generate more than £100 million in revenue each year. The decisions made through this role will directly affect the affordability, operational performance and passenger experience of bus services across South Yorkshire.

As our principal subject matter expert for bus network planning, you will develop a clear, evidence-based network structure that responds to passenger demand, supports economic growth and improves access to employment, education and essential services.

You will:

• Lead major network reviews, service redesign programmes and network optimisation work;
• Define the network design approach, including frequent corridors, coordinated timetables, interchange and integration with other transport modes;
• Develop and assess network scenarios using passenger demand, accessibility, operational and financial data;
• Examine the trade-offs between service provision, revenue, operating cost, social value and wider policy priorities;
• Translate network proposals into clear and auditable service specifications for procurement and delivery;
• Assess timetable structures, peak vehicle requirements, running times, layover, scheduling constraints and depot implications;
• Work closely with finance, commercial, procurement, legal and operational colleagues to ensure proposals are affordable and deliverable;
• Lead technical discussions and negotiations with bus operators, local authorities, regional partners and political stakeholders; and
• Present clear recommendations through SYMCA’s programme, executive and Mayoral governance arrangements.

You will also establish the approach for monitoring and continuously improving the network after franchising begins, using operational performance, passenger demand and customer outcomes to inform future network changes.

This is an opportunity to build a network that is designed around the communities it serves and to develop lasting public-sector expertise in bus network planning.

You will be an established transport professional with substantial experience of bus network planning, service design or operational transport planning.

You will have led complex network reviews, service redesign programmes or other major transport projects and understand how network decisions affect operating costs, revenue, vehicle requirements and service performance.

We are looking for someone who can combine strong technical judgement with an understanding of the commercial, operational and political environment in which public transport decisions are made.

You will bring:

• A degree or equivalent professional attainment in a relevant subject;
• Extensive knowledge of bus network design, timetable coordination, frequency planning, interchange and accessibility;
• Experience of using data, scenario modelling and analytical tools to support strategic decisions;
• A strong understanding of transport economics, revenue forecasting, cost drivers and financial risk;
• Knowledge of bus franchising, regulated transport markets or the procurement and mobilisation of transport services;
• Experience of developing operationally deliverable and contractually clear service specifications;
• Confidence in negotiating complex operational and commercial matters with operators and partners;
• Experience of working with senior officers, political stakeholders…