Senior Transport Planner

Senior Transport Planner

Location: Blackburn (Hybrid remote 3 days a week in the office)

Pay: £19.35 - £21.47 per hour

Purpose of the Job

To take a major role in the development of the transport policy and strategy, with a particular focus on implementing and promoting sustainable transport initiatives and best practices. This includes leading the development of various sustainable transport projects (including active travel, bus, and rail) and their subsequent monitoring. The Senior Transport Planner will provide specialist advice and input into the preparation and monitoring of the Local Transport Plan and work with a wide range of stakeholders to support the Growth & Development team in achieving its overall growth ambitions.

Main Areas of Responsibility

Transport Policy Development: Prepare and collaborate on various transport policies, plans, and programs, including the Local Plan, the Local Transport Plan, and development-related Travel Plans.

Stakeholder Engagement: Work with a wide range of stakeholders, external bodies, and the public to promote and develop transport improvements and sustainable transport initiatives across various modes (e.g., rail, bus, Demand Responsive Travel).

Active Travel Lead: Serve as the departmental lead for active travel in the Borough, support the delivery and monitoring of new infrastructure improvements, and behavioral change initiatives with partners. Assist in managing and delivering the Capability Active Travel Fund and lead on future funding bids.

Transport Evidence Base: Formulate and commission the development of an up-to-date transport evidence base to inform policy development, planning decisions, and funding bids.

Policy Guidance and Advice: Provide policy guidance, briefing, and advice on all matters related to transport policy, including decarbonization and transport-related social exclusion.

Funding Bids: Prepare and submit bids for sustainable transport projects as relevant.

Planning Support: Support and advise planners and developers through supplementary planning guidance (e.g., Sustainable Transport and Movement SPD) and green travel planning advice.

Website Management: Manage and maintain the BwDConnect website on behalf of the Council.

Departmental Collaboration: Play a key role within the Growth and Development department, providing an effective and efficient service to other departments, external agencies, businesses, and the community on sustainable transport matters.

Deputising: Deputise for the Strategic Transport Lead and Strategic Planning and Transport Manager in meetings or briefings when required.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

Degree or Relevant Qualification: Degree or other qualification in a relevant subject and/or membership in a relevant professional institute (e.g., ICE, CIHT, IHE, RTPI).

Proven Track Record: Demonstrated experience in transport policy/project development and analysis, or relevant experience in a related field (such as civil engineering or town planning).

Essential Skills and Abilities:

Specialist Knowledge: Expert knowledge of current issues around transport policy and practice.

Interpersonal Skills: Highly developed interpersonal skills, confidence, and ability to communicate at all levels within an organization.

Persuasion and Influence: Ability to persuade and influence others, and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders in both public and private sector settings.

Workload Management: Ability to manage workloads within strict time limits.

Initiative and Proactivity: Ability to work on own initiative and proactively seek opportunities.

Report Writing: Ability to write clear, concise reports.

Funding Bids: Experience of submitting and winning funding bids for transport projects.

Project Management: Excellent project management skills.

Multiple Priorities: Ability to manage multiple priorities and workloads within set time limits with minimal supervision