Strategic Transport Innovation & Programme Manager


Company:	East Midlands Combined County Authority
Salary:	£54,143 to £59,748 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Chesterfield, S40 1SA
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 3 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	25 Sept 2026
Closing date:	11 Oct 2026

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Summary

Directorate: Place (Transport)

Reports to: Head of Transport Strategy

Direct reports: Up to 5

Salary: £54,143-£59,748

Budget responsibility: £10 million

Shape the future of transport across the East Midlands

This is an exciting time to join the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) as we take forward the devolution of transport and develop our first regional Local Transport Plan.

We are looking for an experienced and ambitious Strategic Transport Innovation & Programme Manager to provide strategic leadership across some of the most important and fast-moving areas of transport policy and investment.

This is a regional leadership role, giving you the opportunity to shape EMCCA's thinking on transport innovation, future mobility, decarbonisation, zero-emission vehicles, electric vehicle infrastructure and active travel.

You will look beyond the immediate challenges facing the transport system and help us understand what transport could look like over the next 15–20 years. You'll lead horizon-scanning and strategic foresight, working with government, industry, technology providers, local authorities and other partners to understand emerging technologies, market developments, regulatory change and future mobility trends.

This includes emerging areas such as autonomous and connected vehicles, micromobility, drones and digital and data-enabled transport solutions.

At the same time, you'll be responsible for turning strategic thinking into delivery, overseeing significant investment programmes and ensuring innovation leads to tangible benefits for people, businesses and communities across the East Midlands.

A significant role in a changing transport landscape

The devolution of transport responsibilities creates a unique opportunity to influence how the region plans, invests in and delivers its future transport network.

As EMCCA develops its first regional Local Transport Plan, you will help shape policy and investment priorities, ensuring they are informed by evidence, market intelligence and an understanding of how transport technology and user needs are changing.

You will also lead EMCCA's work on transport decarbonisation and electric vehicle infrastructure, overseeing the procurement and rollout of three ambitious, multi-million-pound electric vehicle infrastructure programmes across the East Midlands.

This will require strong commercial judgement, market knowledge, negotiation skills and the ability to lead complex programmes from strategy and business case development through procurement and commissioning to delivery and evaluation.

About the role

As Strategic Transport Innovation & Programme Manager, you will:

• Lead the development of long-term strategies, policies and implementation programmes across transport innovation, future mobility, decarbonisation, zero-emission vehicles, electric vehicle infrastructure and active travel.

• Provide strategic leadership on emerging transport technologies and their potential implications for the East Midlands.

• Lead horizon-scanning, strategic foresight and market intelligence activity, considering developments over a 15–20 year planning horizon.

• Translate emerging market developments, technologies and regulatory changes into clear policy, investment and delivery recommendations.

• Shape EMCCA's transport strategies, policies and investment priorities as part of the development of the regional Local Transport Plan.

• Lead the development, funding and delivery of significant transport programmes and investment portfolios.

• Oversee the procurement and rollout of major electric vehicle infrastructure programmes across the region.

• Develop funding and investment approaches, including arrangements for allocating funding to local authorities and delivery partners.

• Lead business case development, commissioning, procurement, contract management, programme assurance and benefits realisation.

• Act as a recognised source of expertise and advice to senior leaders, elected members, local authorities, government departments and partners.

• Build strong relationships with technology providers, industry leaders, government and transport bodies to identify opportunities and influence future investment.

• Lead research, analytical and technical work to strengthen EMCCA's evidence base and support strategic decision-making.

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, while overseeing specialist consultants, contractors and delivery partners.

• Prepare high-quality reports, business cases and strategic recommendations for senior and political decision-makers.

• Represent EMCCA at regional, national and industry forums, helping to raise the Authority's profile and influence.

• Manage significant capital and revenue budgets of at least £10 million, ensuring strong financial governance, value for money and delivery against agreed outcomes.

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