Due to an internal secondment, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), the transport arm of the West Midlands Combined Authority, is looking for a Cycling and Walking Development Officer to join the team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2022. This role will be part of TfWM’s central source of expertise related to Cycling and Walking development and delivery.

You will be responsible for supporting our Head of Cycling and Walking at a multi-agency level, linking with respective teams from across TfWM network sectors (Metro, Sprint, Integrated Services, West Midlands Rail, Network Resilience and Project Management) alongside WMCA Housing, Productivity and Skills, Physical Activity and Thrive teams.

It will involve managing the development and delivery of programmes relative to the Cycling and Walking functions of TfWM as part of a comprehensive, multi-agency cycling and walking investment programme. Continually developing a robust project portfolio aligned to the West Midlands Cycling Charter, Movement for Growth and Strategic Economic Plan and acting as sponsor for a range of projects closely aligned with external stakeholders, you will champion active travel behavioural change programmes and help drive investment in cycling and walking infrastructure.

Who we need

You are likely to have a keen interest in active travel and want to make a difference to local delivery at a regional scale. The role is to develop and deliver an ambitious regional programme of active travel projects which will deliver new infrastructure and change human behaviour. You will need credibility to get the results needed in tight timescales, working closely with local authority teams and other partners. You will have a strong commitment to customer service, whether it is in making timely responses to customer relations enquiries or working with the many stakeholders, partners and suppliers in the active travel programme. Your ability to build strong relationships and cross-functional linkages will come to the fore in dealing with multiple priorities and building consensus from different stakeholder perspectives.

You will have an aptitude for managing project documentation accurately and an ability to focus on writing concise reports is critical. You will be using your own knowledge and data in problem-solving. You will have experience of interpreting and applying guidance to projects. You will feel comfortable working with communications and engagement, design and media teams to ensure that active travel projects are communicated.  A key part of this role will be to deliver the Cycle Crime Action Plan and be a key liaison with West Midlands Police and British Transport Police and the Regional Road Safety Group.

About the team

The West Midlands cycling and walking network will see significant investment over the next few years and will benefit from historic levels of funding, helping to create a place that is fit for the future, safe, green and connected. TfWM will ensure cycling and walking are the optimal travel choices for transport and for leisure.  Our aim is to make the whole of the West Midlands healthier, happier, better connected and more prosperous by creating attractive urban environments in city and town centres, along key transport corridors and within our suburbs. Our ambitious plans include improved infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as delivering supporting activities such as training and campaigns.

Who we are

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) plans, develops and manages an integrated transport system for the West Midlands that is reliable, affordable and accessible for all. It is the transport arm of the West Midlands Combined Authority. A standard setter in the industry, our achievements are regularly recognised nationally, most importantly as the winner of ‘City Region Authority of the Year’ in 2016, 2017 and 2019 at the National Transport Awards.

Whether it’s developing and delivering new infrastructure, collaborating on future mobility projects, operating the West Midlands Metro or helping customers to keep moving, we need creative and innovative talent to join our already excellent team and help us make a real difference to residents, businesses and visitors travelling in and around the West Midlands.

Please provide detailed information in your application outlining your suitability for the post and ensure it is submitted ahead of the closing date.

Please note that West Midlands Combined Authority reserves the right to bring forward the closing date of any of its job vacancies if we receive a suitable number of quality applications from which to make a shortlist. Therefore, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible rather than wait until the published closing date. 

Our priority is to keep all our employees safe and well during this time. We will be working remotely for the foreseeable future, and we are doing everything we can to ensure all our employees can enjoy a comfortable remote working space.

We are committed to developing an organisation that is representative of the diverse communities that we serve and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The following groups are currently underrepresented: young people, Black, Asian and ethnic minority groups and women at senior levels. 

We are a Disability Confident Employer and offer a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who meet the essential job role criteria. We will make reasonable adjustments, in line with the Equality Act, for disabled applicants if these are needed. Wherever possible we will offer flexible working options which assist work-life balance and support service delivery for the customer.

Supporting documents
Cycling and Walking Development Officer