Principal Public Transport Officer
Team: Public Transport Team
Job Family: Advising M - CBG11
Salary: £42,396 - £45,758 per annum pro rata
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month.
Contract Type: Hybrid - Permanent
Closing Date: 15th November 2026
Interview Date: 23rd November 2026
About the role:
The Public Transport Team are part of the Place and Communities Directorate and aims to provide excellent public bus services to our customers through a mix of supported and tendered routes, along with ensuring close liaison with local bus operators over the commercial network. We also have responsibility for the care and maintenance of bus stops and interchanges across the area, as well as the Luton – Dunstable Busway. We aim to ensure bus travel is a sustainable transport option available to all and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to ensure this is delivered effectively to customers. Find your greatness by helping us to develop and promote public bus services to our customers and stakeholders.
As Principal Officer you will act as team leader for the Public Transport Team made up of three colleagues, managing everyday processes and requests, dealing directly with customers and stakeholders, as well as supporting the Public Transport Manager and deputising for them when required. This role will work proactively with service providers to nurture positive strategic relationships to help support and grow their service delivery holistically. You will also be involved in the delivery of the Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) programme and statutory obligations, as well as supporting on work with major projects in the area. The role will also allow you to get involved with the planning process and Section 106 funding requests across the area to develop the future service offering within new developments and to improve the existing infrastructure within our towns and villages.
Educated to A-level standard or equivalent, you should have significant demonstratable previous experience of working within a public transport delivery role either within a local authority or a transport operator, as well as an excellent local geographic knowledge and a high degree of flexibility. Ideally, you will already have a strong interest in the provision and development of local bus services, as well as knowledge around Section 106 funding and the planning process, budget management, and the comprehensive use of all elements of Microsoft Office. Knowledge of public transport specific IT programs would also be an advantage. You will need to be able to work on your own initiative, develop your own workload and manage tight deadlines, as you will be working remotely for significant periods of time. You must have the ability to deliver excellent stakeholder liaison and support, as well as being able to evidence good people management skills. Public bus services are an emotive subject and often come under intense scrutiny, so you must have an excellent attention to detail and commitment to task, as well as a desire to provide great customer service to Central Bedfordshire residents, colleagues and stakeholders.
Our Offer
We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff, to view these please visit our Rewards and Benefits page
Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You will be expected to demonstrate how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies in this Recruitment Pack.
Our Competency Framework and Qualification Guidance are to be read in conjunction with our Recruitment Pack.
For an informal discussion about this position, please contact: Nick Doolan at Nick.Doolan@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 5747
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council's policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline.
Your application to us is a reflection of who you are professionally and should give us an accurate and authentic picture of your skills, experiences and if applicable qualifications. Before you submit your application, we will ask you to confirm if you have used AI.
All new starters will join us on a four‑month probationary period. During this time, if you are offered a Hybrid role you will be required to attend a Central Bedfordshire Council office location more frequently to support thorough and well‑supported onboarding into your role. Please keep this in mind if you anticipate extensive travel to Central Bedfordshire.
Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for our roles. Successful applicants that may require a visa will need to consider the options for obtaining and/or maintaining the legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the contract offered.
Free information, advice and guidance into work or learning
Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA) provides free, impartial, information advice and guidance to those aged 16+ looking to get into work, learning or exploring a change of career.