Jobs

As Head of Transport Strategy, you will lead the development of our long-term transport vision, including the Local Transport Plan and supporting strategies that will guide investment and decision-making for years to come. This role requires an experienced strategic thinker who can bring together evidence, policy, stakeholder views and political priorities to create ambitious and deliverable plans for the future.

Reporting to the Director of Transport, you will lead the development and delivery of the Combined Authority’s transport vision, ensuring transport policy, planning and investment are aligned to the region’s economic, environmental and social ambitions.

This is a highly influential role responsible for developing the region’s statutory Local Transport Plan, alongside a suite of supporting transport strategies including bus, rail, active travel, highways, connectivity and decarbonisation. You will help shape how transport supports housing growth, skills development, regeneration, employment opportunities and improved access to services across York and North Yorkshire.

Working closely with the Mayor, local authorities, government departments, transport operators and regional stakeholders, you will provide expert strategic advice, influence investment decisions and help secure the funding needed to deliver transformational outcomes for residents, businesses and communities.

About You

We are looking for a strategic transport professional with the vision, credibility and leadership skills to operate successfully within a complex and politically aware environment.

You will bring:

• Significant experience developing transport policy, strategies and long-term plans.
• A strong track record of leading Local Transport Plans, transport strategies or equivalent policy programmes.
• Experience operating within local government, Combined Authorities or similarly complex public sector environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, consultation and partnership working skills.
• The ability to influence senior leaders, elected members, government departments and strategic partners.
• Experience translating evidence, data and emerging trends into effective and deliverable policy.
• Strong leadership capability, including developing teams, driving change and shaping organisational priorities.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce compelling strategies, reports and policy documents.

Whether your background is in a Combined Authority, local authority, consultancy, transport planning organisation or government department, you will have the ability to think strategically, build consensus and drive meaningful change.

Please see Job Description/Person Specification.

Key Dates

Closing: Tuesday 15 September 2026 (midnight)
Shortlisting: Wednesday 16 September 2026
Stage One Assessment Event (Teams): Thursday 24 September 2026
Final Stage Assessment Event (In person, York): Monday 28 September 2026

For an informal confidential discussion about this opportunity, please cont

Company: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Salary: £71,425 - £80,216 per annum

Location: York, North Yorkshire

Sector: Corporate Services

Sector: Corporate Management Team

Sector: Highways

Job Role: Head of Service