Transport Project Lead

Permanent, Full Time

£37,394 to £43,992 per annum

Location: Chelmsford*

Closing Date: 11th June 2026

*This is a hybrid-working role contractually based in Chelmsford. You will work from the Chelmsford office at least one day per month, and across our operational area on other days, depending on business need.The Transport Project Lead plays a key role in the planning and delivery of passenger transport projects and initiatives to help deliver the service priorities of ECC’s Integrated Transport Unit. This includes priorities linked to our Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), the Enhanced Bus Partnership (EPs) and projects to improve the bus ticketing offer.The post holder will also help develop and implement projects to support our transport strategies and deliver infrastructure to produce a high quality and sustainable transport network. This will involve working with suppliers, customers and neighbouring authorities to develop and deliver them, identifying issues and developing local solutions. A principal responsibility will be the day-to-day management of the delivery of the Essex “English National Concessionary Travel Scheme” (ENCTS – Bus Pass) including authorising operator reimbursement payments, initiating scheme governance, and assisting with annual negotiations with bus operators.The post holder will report to the IPTU’s Strategy, Growth, Infrastructure and Integration Manger and will work closely with our Network Development and Enhanced Partnership Lead officers to help deliver their projects.The post holder will also be expected to produce reports and briefing papers to inform and help guide Senior Managers and Members in relation to decisions being made and the potential opportunities, risks and financial impact of projects, plus assessments of the impacts of policy and legislative changes.Accountabilities:

Managing the delivery of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS bus pass scheme) for Essex, as required by the Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007 and associated legislation. This includes:Procuring the provision and overseeing the operation of the scheme administration function.Customer dispute resolution.Engagement with bus operators, including assisting with annual scheme negotiations and overseeing monthly reimbursement payments made to them.Managing the approval and governance process for necessary decisions relating to scheme provision.Leading the delivery of complex public transport projects including:Projects associated with the delivery of the Essex Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).Schemes relating to the delivery countywide and local Enhanced Bus Partnership.Working to develop and deliver improved ticketing schemes and offers.Developing innovative approaches to enhance levels of service, looking to minimise costs and ensure compliance with overall Council strategy and seeking to safeguard the Council’s contractual and commercial risk.Ensuring that safeguarding data protection and information management complies with appropriate legislation and regulations with both national and ECC policies.Use knowledge of passenger transport legislation, including the Bus Services Act 2017, The Transport Acts 2008, 2000 and 1985 and the Bus Concessionary Travel Act 2007 to help advise senior officers, members and others on the outcomes, implications and benefits of projects, changes to legislation and decisions.Finding innovative approaches to funding local public transport solutions, allowing for financial constraints, maintaining key public transport services in partnership with suppliers and stakeholders.Responsible for driving and delivering digital and self-serve options with customers to maximise opportunities to effectively integrate and promote services through digital platforms.Working collaboratively to drive activity which minimise costs to ECC ‘s service provision and maximises the benefit to residents to ensure local solutions are more cost effective.Responsible for managing implementation of integration projects to ensure outcomes are met, working with cross boundary colleagues, and providing recommendations and feedback to senior leaders on potential opportunities.The Experience You Will Bring:Minimum of three years’ experience in the passenger transport industry.Educated to degree level or able to show comparable capability through experience.Able to demonstrate sound knowledge of public transport legislation, particularly the requirements for the ENCTS Bus Pass Scheme.Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional areas.Knowledge of procurement and contract management processes and ensuring compliance.Excellent negotiation and influencing skills with ability to influence stakeholders and suppliers.Evidence of successfully delivering outcomes in a complex, customer-facing environment.Experience of delivering public services in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.Evidence of working collaboratively across an organisation and reconciling diverse and competing interests successfully including experience of working in a political environment, skills in understanding and responding to different perspectives and taking a cross organisational perspective.To have a good awareness of industry and commercial legislation and current issues.

To read more about us please visit: Climate, Environment and Customer Services - Working for Essex

Why Essex? Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest – Basildon and Harlow – are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career. Read more about us here.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.

We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

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If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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