Head of Safe Partnership

Head of Travel Safe Partnership

Final date to receive applications: 15 September 2026

Department: Public Transport Operations

Employment Type: Permanent
- Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Assistant Director of Bus Services and Network Safety Andrew Simpson

Compensation: £68,077 - £73,366 / year

• Hours: 37 hours (full time)
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: Grade 14 - £68,077 - £73,366
• Location: Sheffield (hybrid working)

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Travel Safe Partnership to lead the development and delivery of a safe, secure and welcoming public transport network across South Yorkshire.

This is a high-profile leadership role that will shape the future of the Travel Safe Partnership as South Yorkshire transitions to a fully franchised bus network and develops the South Yorkshire People’s Network. Working with a wide range of partners, you will help improve passenger confidence, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and ensure safety is embedded across all transport services.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Bus Services & Network Safety, you will provide strategic leadership for the Travel Safe Partnership, ensuring transport safety remains at the heart of public transport delivery across South Yorkshire.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of the Travel Safe Partnership Strategy and associated programmes
• Build strong partnerships with transport operators, local authorities, police, community safety organisations and other stakeholders
• Shape and influence transport safety policy, strategy and operational delivery across the South Yorkshire People’s Network
• Lead initiatives to address crime, anti-social behaviour and passenger safety concerns across the transport network
• Oversee the performance, governance and development of Travel Safe programmes and associated budgets
• Develop business cases, secure funding opportunities and support investment in transport safety initiatives
• Provide strategic advice and expert guidance to senior leaders, elected members and partners
• Support the development of safety frameworks and assurance arrangements across bus, tram and wider transport operations
• Lead the mobilisation and management of operational safety and enforcement teams
• Promote continuous improvement, innovation and best practice in transport safety and safeguarding
• Represent SYMCA at local, regional and national forums relating to transport safety and partnership working

This is a unique opportunity to influence how safety is delivered across a growing and transforming public transport network.

You will be an experienced leader with a strong background in transport safety, community safety, partnership working or a related field, and a passion for improving public confidence in transport services.

• Significant experience leading strategic programmes, partnerships or services within a complex environment
• Experience developing and delivering policy, strategy and operational initiatives focused on safety, security or community outcomes
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop high-performing teams
• Experience managing budgets, contracts, business cases and funding opportunities
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and partnership-building skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the confidence to make decisions and manage risk
• Experience preparing briefings, reports and recommendations for senior leaders, boards and elected members
• Knowledge of safeguarding, community safety and relevant legislative frameworks
• The ability to operate effectively within politically sensitive and high-profile environments
• A collaborative and solutions-focused approach, with a…