Franchised Network Officer

Hours: 37 hours per week Contract: Permanent Salary: Grade 9 - £42,840 - £46,142 Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office) Help turn South Yorkshire’s plans for better bus services into a network that works for passengers every day. We are looking for a skilled and analytical transport professional to support the planning, implementation and continuous improvement of South Yorkshire’s franchised bus network. This is a hands-on technical role within one of the country’s most significant public transport transformation programmes. You will help translate strategic network plans into clear, detailed and operationally deliverable bus services. Working closely with the Franchised Network Lead, you will develop routes, timetables, frequencies, stopping patterns and service specifications. You will use operational and passenger data to understand how the network is performing and identify practical changes that improve reliability, connectivity and the customer experience. Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile. (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal . About the role You will: Support the development and implementation of franchised bus network proposals; Translate strategic network designs into detailed routes, timetables, frequencies and stopping patterns; Develop and maintain timetables and service schedules that are efficient, realistic and operationally deliverable; Monitor punctuality, reliability, patronage, capacity and other network performance measures; Analyse passenger demand, operational performance and service usage to identify trends and opportunities for improvement; Work with operators and internal teams to address punctuality problems, capacity constraints and service reliability issues; Support timetable changes, service enhancements and wider network improvement programmes; Help develop and maintain accurate and contractually clear service specifications; Engage with bus operators, local authorities and other partners to support effective network delivery; and Prepare reports, analysis and briefing material for internal governance and decision-making. You will help ensure that network decisions reflect customer and accessibility needs, including journey times, service reliability, interchange and access to employment, education and essential services. As franchising is introduced, you will also support the ongoing management and refinement of the network. Your analysis and operational insight will help ensure services continue to respond to changing passenger needs and travel patterns. This is an opportunity to work directly on the detail that determines whether a bus network succeeds — from the structure of a timetable to how reliably a service performs on the road. About you You will have experience in transport planning, network planning or public transport service delivery. This could have been gained within a transport authority, operator, consultancy, local authority or another relevant transport organisation. You will understand how public transport services operate and how routes, frequencies, running times, layover and scheduling decisions affect passengers and operational performance. We are looking for someone who combines analytical ability with practical judgement. You will be comfortable working with detailed data, identifying the cause of a problem and developing a realistic solution. You will bring: A degree or equivalent professional attainment in a relevant subject; Experience in transport planning, network planning or service delivery within bus, rail or a related sector; An understanding of public transport timetables, scheduling and performance measures; Experience of analysing data and using the findings to inform decisions; The ability to interpret and apply operational and passenger performance information; Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; Experience of working with operators, local authorities or other delivery partners; Good written and verbal communication skills; and The ability to present technical information clearly to colleagues and stakeholders. Experience of bus franchising or another regulated transport environment would be an advantage. We would also welcome experience of: Transport planning or scheduling software; Real-time or operational transport data; Passenger analytics; and Digital modelling or AI-enabled transport planning tools. You do not need to have done every part of the role before. You will, however, need a sound understanding of public transport operations, strong attention to detail and the ability to turn analysis into practical service improvements. Benefits All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success. In addition to the above, some of our benefits include - Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues. Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts. Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi-Scheme which allows office-based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time-off in the form of Flexi-Leave or banked Annual Leave. Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes. Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management. Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements. Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact [email protected] or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.