Registration & Permits Manager

Registration & Permits Manager

Final date to receive applications: 15 September 2026

Department: Public Transport Operations

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Andrew Simpson

Compensation: £47,181 - £50,269 / year

We are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable Registration and Permits Manager to play a key role in the delivery of South Yorkshire's future franchised bus network.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape and manage the processes that govern bus service registrations, permits and regulatory compliance within a major public transport transformation programme. Working closely with operators, local authorities, regulators and internal stakeholders, you will help ensure the network operates effectively, lawfully and in the best interests of passengers across South Yorkshire.

Hours: 37 hours per week (full time)

Contract: Permanent

Salary: Grade 10 - £47,181 - £50,269

Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

Reporting to the Assistant Director Bus Services and Network Safety, working closely with the Head of Bus Services and other Bus Services colleagues, you will lead the development and management of SYMCA's bus service permit and registration arrangements, ensuring services operating within, into and through South Yorkshire comply with regulatory and franchising requirements.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the implementation and ongoing management of bus service permit and registration processes
• Assess applications, variations and service changes, ensuring decisions are evidence-based, consistent and compliant with relevant legislation
• Support the effective integration of permitted, cross-boundary and other non-franchised services within the wider network
• Develop and maintain governance processes, systems and controls that support transparent and robust decision‑making
• Work closely with operators, local authorities, regulators and internal teams to support service planning and delivery
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders and colleagues on regulatory, operational and policy matters relating to bus services
• Monitor compliance, identify risks and support the resolution of issues affecting service delivery and network performance
• Lead consultations and engagement activities with partners and stakeholders
• Prepare reports, briefings and recommendations for governance boards, senior managers and elected members
• Contribute to the successful mobilisation and operation of South Yorkshire's franchised bus network

This is a highly visible role offering the opportunity to shape how public transport services are regulated and managed across the region.

You will be an experienced professional with a strong understanding of transport, regulation, governance or a related field, and the ability to work confidently in a complex and evolving environment.

You will bring:

• Experience managing regulatory, governance, compliance or operational processes within a public sector, transport or regulated environment
• Strong knowledge of the bus industry, public transport operations or related regulatory frameworks
• The ability to interpret legislation, policy and guidance and translate these into practical processes and recommendations
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess complex operational, commercial and customer impacts
• Experience preparing reports, briefings and recommendations for senior stakeholders and decision-makers
• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure
• Experience developing systems, processes and continuous improvement initiatives
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build productive relationships with a range of internal and external partners

You will be motivated by improving public transport outcomes and excited by the opportunity to help deliver one of the most significant changes to bus services in South Yorkshire's history.

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where…