East Midlands Combined County Authority

Rail Strategy Lead
£44,428 - £49,428 per annum

Join our new organisation as Rail Strategy Lead to play your part in delivering a transport strategy that will help transform a whole region.

Welcome to EMCCA

EMCCA is the UK’s first mayor-led combined county authority. The East Midlands is a great region. But it deserves to be better. Better connected, better funded and better prepared for a future of opportunity, growth, and hope. EMCCA will oversee devolved powers around transport, housing, skills and adult education, economic development, and net zero. We will conceive the strategies and create the connections that will empower local partners, people and businesses – maximizing the impact of billions of pounds of funding. Together, our new EMCCA team can put the East Midlands on the map as a place to live, work and study.

Your role in elevating the East Midlands

Improving transport is central to EMCCA’s goal of raising up the East Midlands region. As our new mayor has highlighted, there is no point creating more skills and employment opportunities if people cannot access them. Residents need to connect into the regional web to boost prosperity and prospects. Your role will be key to maximising the impact of the rail network.

Your focus will be guiding the development of a clear EMCCA strategic position on rail services and investment for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. This will involve working closely with our Head of Transport Strategy, and the other strategy leads and colleagues. Success in the role will also involve working closely with local authority, regional and industry stakeholders and partners in, and beyond, the region and with national government. Key responsibilities include: 

- Identifying and developing schemes/projects and initiatives to deliver the outcomes presented in the Joint Local Transport Plan.

- Project managing consultancy work as principal client on rail projects, ensuring efficient and effective delivery within agreed timescales and budgets.

- Establishing and leading studies examining the technical feasibility, potential passenger demand, and business case for investing in the rail network and service enhancement.

- Coordinating the collection, management and analysis of data to inform the development of the strategic approach to rail investment.

- Preparing finance and spending reports on the programme’s finance progress and budgets.

- Managing team members, offering guidance and support for their professional development.

Your profile

- Degree qualification or equivalent experience in engineering, transport or environmental sciences (e.g. Transport Planning, Geography, Environmental Studies/Science).

- Membership of a relevant professional body or demonstrable up-to-date knowledge and continuing professional development.

- Extensive experience and understanding of the rail industry, including familiarity with rail infrastructure, operations, regulations and trends.

- Proven track record of developing and implementing strategic plans and leading and managing complex projects within the rail sector.

- Experience in budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation for rail projects, with a focus on maximising financial efficiency and accountability.

- Significant experience of managing relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, local authorities, rail operators, community groups, and industry partners.

- Ability to think strategically and develop long-term plans and initiatives that align with the organisation's transport vision and objectives.

To find out more and to apply, please click here.