Bus Service Planning Team Manager

The starting salary for this role is £73,317 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

There has never been a more exciting time to work in public transport, and we are seeking an experienced manager to lead our Bus Service Planning Team at Surrey County Council. We need someone who is passionate about improving bus services and has a proven ability to lead a dedicated team, along with a demonstrable ability to work in partnership with the bus industry and a range of stakeholders.

This role is based at Victoria Gate, Woking, and offers a hybrid working arrangement, with a minimum expectation of two days per week in the office. If you love the idea of helping us to make our residents love buses too, we would love to hear from you!

Our Offer to You

26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part time staff)
Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
A generous local government salary related pension
Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About the Role

In this role you will lead a team that has a pivotal role to play in our response to the National Bus Strategy, taking forward our ambitious Bus Service Improvement Plan and Enhanced Partnership ambitions, working alongside surrey bus operators to encourage bus service enhancements and passenger growth.

An exciting part of this role is accelerating the introduction of zero emission buses into surrey and bidding for Department for Transport funding opportunities to complement the work undertake so far on introducing hydrogen and electric buses.

You will be responsible for proactively contract-managing a network of local bus services across the county. These provide access to key services for our residents, including access to employment, education, health, and essential shopping. Our contracted bus services support those provided commercially which means a keen understanding of bus network operations and a proven ability to work in partnership is vital to maximise positive outcomes for the council and residents.

As part of this, you will grow the existing positive partnership ethos with our local bus operators, ensuring that bus services, network enhancements and qualitative improvements are developed and delivered collaboratively.

Putting buses at the heart of our Surrey Transport Plan is key to providing a realistic and attractive alternative to the private car. This will help us reduce the 46% of carbon emissions that come from the transport sector in the county, forming part of our pathway to net zero carbon. This post also has a commitment to being actively included as a manager on the Highways Emergency Standby Rosta.

Your responsibilities as the Team Manager will include:

Leading, managing and motivating staff
Managing and overseeing the performance of the team
Managing team budgets effectively
Contract managing providers to secure excellent value for money and high customer satisfaction
Leading on our work to increase bus patronage

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our