About the Role
This is a defining opportunity to shape the future of transport innovation across the East Midlands.
As the region's Local Transport Authority, EMCCA is leading an ambitious programme of transformation, supported by over £2 billion of investment and the development of the first Mayor's Transport Plan. Innovation, digital capability and decarbonisation are at the heart of this change.
We are seeking a Transport Strategy Lead (Innovation, Policy & Implementation) to take a leading role in developing and delivering priority transport policy areas. This includes zero emission vehicles and electric vehicle infrastructure, active travel, future mobility solutions, and digital and data strategy.
This is a senior, high-impact role where you will drive regional progress, deliver complex programmes, and shape how emerging technologies and policy innovations improve connectivity and sustainability across the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of innovative transport policy areas, including zero-emission vehicles, EV infrastructure, active travel, and future mobility solutions
- Design, manage and deliver major funding programmes, including multi-million-pound investment in EV infrastructure and new mobility technologies
- Lead procurement, commissioning and contract management of innovative transport schemes and services
- Develop and coordinate the regional approach to active travel, working closely with national, regional and local partners to drive implementation and outcomes
- Scope and develop the transport digital and data strategy, ensuring alignment with wider organisational priorities and enabling evidence-led decision-making
- Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team, including setting work plans, performance targets, and overseeing consultants and suppliers
- Build and maintain strong strategic relationships across local authorities, government bodies, industry partners and other stakeholders
- Commission and oversee research and analytical work, ensuring robust evidence bases to support policy and investment decisions
- Provide expert advice and briefings to senior leadership, elected members and governance bodies
- Establish effective project governance arrangements, including performance monitoring, risk management, and reporting
- Manage programme budgets (circa £10 million), including financial planning, procurement and contract oversight
- Identify and secure additional funding opportunities, including leading the development of bids and strategic business cases
- Ensure compliance with corporate, legal and statutory requirements, including the management of sensitive data
Leadership Responsibilities
- Provide strong leadership and direction, fostering a collaborative, high-performing and accountable team culture
- Support staff development through coaching, mentoring and professional development opportunities
- Ensure clear communication across teams and stakeholders, promoting transparency and engagement
- Manage team resources effectively to ensure delivery of strategic priorities
About You
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking transport professional with a strong background in innovation, policy development, and programme delivery.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Extensive experience in transport innovation, future mobility, or zero emission vehicles policy and strategy
- Proven experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary programmes and delivering projects across organisational boundaries
- Strong experience in funding acquisition, programme commissioning, and delivery of large-scale investment portfolios
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build partnerships at all levels
- Experience overseeing procurement processes and managing contracts with external providers
- Strong financial management skills, including budget setting, monitoring and control
- Ability to interpret complex data and evidence to inform policy decisions and strategic direction
- Excellent communication skills, with experience preparing briefings and reports for senior leaders and elected members
Desirable:
- Knowledge of emerging transport technologies and evolving regulatory frameworks
- Experience commissioning technical and analytical work to support strategy development
- Professional membership with a relevant institution (e.g. CIHT, ICE, TPS)
Qualifications
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in transport planning, engineering, public policy, geography or a related discipline
- Evidence of ongoing professional development in a relevant field
- Membership of a relevant professional body is desirable
Why Join EMCCA
This role offers a unique opportunity to lead on some of the most forward-looking and impactful areas of transport policy. You will shape how innovation, technology and sustainability are integrated into regional transport systems, influencing outcomes at scale.
EMCCA provides a collaborative and ambitious environment, with a strong commitment to evidence-led decision-making and partnership working. You will be at the forefront of delivering meaningful change, with significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
Benefits
- Up to 10 days paid leave in a 12-month period for caring responsibilities
- Healthcare cash plan
- A hybrid work model with remote working opportunities
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working hours
- Maternity, Paternity, IVF, Adopters and Foster Carers support
- Discount scheme
- Car Benefit Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- 30 days holiday (plus 2 with continuous service) + bank holidays + your birthday (up to five extra days through salary sacrifice)
- Costco Membership
- Discounted Gym Membership
- Professional Membership Scheme
- Car Parking Discounts
- Car Sharing Scheme
Our Values
Vision - The text below needs to be used in all the ads, replacing the current wording:
- We lift our regionWe always put the prosperity of the East Midlands region and its people first when carrying our roles and achieving strategic outcomes
- We work togetherWe always challenge each other to be exceptional, embracing collaboration and acting to lift rather than win, working as one team
- We make an impactWe always make decisions that are evidence led and which strengthen our region systemically. We hold ourselves to account for our actions
- We are humanWe always take pride in who we are and the diversity we bring, communicating authentically and showing genuine interest in one another
About EMCCA
EMCCA is focused on delivering long-term, systemic impact for the people, businesses and places of the East Midlands. Through devolution, the authority has the powers, funding and partnerships to drive transformative change.
With a strong pipeline of projects and a clear strategic vision, this is a unique opportunity to help shape the region's future at a critical time.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced professional with the ambition and expertise to lead innovative transport policy and delivery at a regional level, we encourage you to apply.
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