Senior Contracts and Programme Manager - Bus

Senior Contracts and Programme Manager
- Bus

Final date to receive applications: 27 September 2026

Department: Public Transport Operations

Employment Type: Permanent
- Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Sam Millington

Compensation: £39,153 - £41,772 / year

• Hours: 37 hours per week (full time)
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: Grade 8 - £39,153 - £41,772
• Location: Sheffield (hybrid working)

We are looking for an experienced and strategic Senior Contracts and Programme Manager
- Bus to join our Bus Services team and play a leading role in shaping the future of bus services across South Yorkshire.

This is a high-profile leadership role responsible for shaping the future of bus services across South Yorkshire. You will lead the development of contract strategies, oversee major service improvement and transformation programmes, and ensure investment delivers value for money, excellent customer outcomes and alignment with regional transport priorities.

Working across a complex network of partners, operators and stakeholders, you will play a key role in delivering a more integrated, sustainable and reliable public transport network for South Yorkshire.

We anticipate interviews for this role will take place on 8 and 9 October 2026.

Reporting to the Head of Bus Services, you will provide strategic leadership across bus contracts, network development and programme delivery, helping to ensure services meet the needs of passengers and communities now and in the future.

• Lead the development and transformation of bus services across South Yorkshire, supporting regional transport priorities and customer needs
• Oversee contract strategy, procurement approaches and performance frameworks for bus services
• Manage investment and funding programmes, ensuring resources are prioritised effectively and deliver maximum value
• Lead network reviews, service redesign projects and major transport improvement initiatives
• Develop performance measures and assurance arrangements to drive service quality, reliability and continuous improvement
• Use data, analysis and forecasting to support strategic planning and informed decision-making
• Manage risks, governance requirements and compliance across a diverse portfolio of contracts and programmes
• Build strong relationships with bus operators, government departments, local authorities and other key stakeholders
• Prepare strategic reports, recommendations and business cases for senior leaders and decision-makers
• Support the integration of bus services with wider transport programmes and infrastructure investments
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement to enhance service delivery and customer outcomes

You will be an experienced transport, programme or contract management professional with a strong track record of leading complex programmes and delivering strategic outcomes.

• Significant experience leading transport, service delivery, contract management or major programme activity
• Strong commercial, financial and strategic planning skills
• Experience managing complex funding arrangements, budgets and investment
• programmes
• Knowledge of procurement, contract management and governance within a regulated or public sector environment
• The ability to analyse complex information and translate evidence into strategic recommendations
• Experience leading service improvement, transformation or network development initiatives
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills
• Strong leadership capabilities, with the ability to work collaboratively across organisations and partnerships
• Experience preparing business cases, reports and recommendations for senior leaders and governance boards
• A proactive, solution-focused approach with the…