Senior Transport Planner

Senior Transport Planner

Location: Chesterfield, East Midlands
Employment Status: Permanent

Salary: £44,075 - £49,282

About the Role

This is a defining moment for transport in the East Midlands. As the region's Local Transport Authority, EMCCA is at the forefront of shaping a bold, future-focused Mayor's Transport Plan - driving forward a transformational investment programme worth over £2 billion. This is more than infrastructure; it's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine how people connect, travel, and thrive across the region.

We are offering opportunities for Senior Transport Planners to play a leading role in shaping and delivering transport strategies that support EMCCA's ambition to create connected communities. Roles will focus on key priorities as they develop over time, providing the opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio.

This is an opportunity to influence high-profile programmes and drive forward transformative change across a diverse region, from major urban centres to rural communities including the Peak District.

Our region is home to award-winning bus companies, an established tram system, the HQ of the new GB Railways, and birthplace of the first workplace levy in Europe - this is a region with both track record and vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of transport policies and strategies, including the Local Transport Plan and supporting thematic strategies
• Take ownership of progressing major transport programmes and projects from concept through to delivery and evaluation
• Develop high-quality, evidence-led content for key strategic documents, ensuring alignment with best practice and regional priorities
• Commission, interpret, and apply transport data, models, and appraisal methods to inform robust policy development and investment decisions
• Lead project management activity, including planning, monitoring progress, managing risks, and ensuring effective delivery
• Manage and coordinate consultant input, ensuring outputs meet required standards and contribute effectively to programme objectives
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including local authorities, partners, and the public
• Prepare clear and concise briefings, reports, and business cases for senior decision-makers, including the Mayor and Transport Committee
• Support financial management processes, including procurement, funding bids, and programme monitoring
• Represent EMCCA at meetings, events, and stakeholder forums, promoting collaboration and shared objectives
• Stay informed of emerging policy, regulatory changes, and industry best practice to support continuous improvement

Role-Specific Areas of Focus

Depending on portfolio, the role may include:

Local Transport Plan Development

• Lead the development of the Local Transport Plan and associated strategies
• Shape monitoring and evaluation frameworks and performance targets
• Lead stakeholder and public engagement activity
• Develop and maintain a robust evidence base to inform policy and investment decisions

Development, Highways and Connectivity

• Support integration between transport and spatial planning through a "Vision and Validate" approach
• Lead engagement on strategic infrastructure and growth areas
• Work closely with local authority partners to drive innovation in highways, road safety, and low-carbon transport solutions
• Ensure new developments align with sustainable and inclusive transport objectives

Rail Strategy

• Lead development of the technical evidence base for rail strategy and investment proposals
• Support delivery of rail initiatives, including mass transit studies and business cases
• Engage with national and regional partners, including Great British Railways
• Contribute to improving stations, connectivity, and integrated ticketing across the region

About You

We are looking for a highly capable and experienced transport planning professional with the ability to lead complex work programmes and influence strategic outcomes. Please note, you do not need to meet every requirement to apply - if you feel you'd be a good fit, we encourage you to put in an application.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Significant experience in transport planning, policy development, and strategy delivery within a public sector or similar context
• Strong understanding of transport systems, policy frameworks, and regulatory environments
• Experience applying data, transport models, and appraisal methods to inform evidence-based decision-making
• Proven ability to develop and implement transport strategies aligned to organisational objectives
• Strong project management skills, with experience delivering complex programmes
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to senior stakeholders
• Strong political awareness and understanding of the wider policy landscape
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships
• Experience leading meetings, coordinating input, and driving outcomes

Desirable:

• Experience with GIS and data visualisation tools
• Experience in financial planning, procurement, or funding bid development
• Membership of a relevant professional body

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in transport planning, civil engineering, urban planning, geography, or a related discipline
• Commitment to continuing professional development, with membership of or willingness to join a relevant professional body

Why Join EMCCA

This role offers the opportunity to play a leading part in shaping the future of transport across the East Midlands during a period of significant investment and change. You will contribute to strategic decision-making, influence major infrastructure programmes, and work collaboratively across organisations to deliver real outcomes for communities.

The Senior Transport Planner role is part of our Transport Planning family of jobs which provide a clear pathway for career progression within the organisation and wider transport profession.

EMCCA is committed to evidence-led policy-making, innovation, and strong partnership working. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional seeking to make a meaningful impact at scale.

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

• 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 exists to deliver long-term, systemic impact for the people, businesses, and places of the East Midlands. With significant funding secured and major strategies underway, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the region's future.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of everything EMCCA do. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered, regardless of background or identity.

EMCCA is a Disability Confident organisation, committed to inclusive recruitment and supporting people with disabilities to thrive in the workplace. We also support the Care Leavers Covenant, recognising the challenges faced by care-experienced individuals and providing opportunities and support to help them succeed.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced transport planning professional looking to take a leading role in shaping regional transport strategy and delivery, then apply now to join our client's dedicated team within the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

Reach out to the team at Matchtech -