Interim Strategic Development Lead, Transport - Greater Essex Combined County Authority
External Partner
Fixed Term, Full Time (Maximum 12 months)
Temporary or FTC/Secondment (Salary within advert)
Location: Countywide
Closing Date: 14th December 2025
Salary Information: Temporary up to £650 per day (umbrella, Inside IR35) or FTC/Secondment from £75,050 to £88,295 per annum
Overview
Greater Essex is entering a transformative period through devolution, aimed at simplifying governance, improving service delivery, and empowering communities. Under the proposed changes, powers and funding will be transferred from central government to a new Mayoral Combined County Authority, enabling more local control over key areas such as transport, housing, and economic development.
This role will play a critical part in ensuring the new Greater Essex Combined County Authority, one of the largest County Combined Authority, is set up effectively, with the robust governance, strategies, policies and frameworks required to meet statutory and legal obligations. They will establish strong foundations that enable the organisation to accelerate its strategic priorities at pace. To achieve this, postholders will need to build effective relationships and networks across central and local government, partners, businesses and residents, and bring the business, commercial and political acumen needed to translate strategy into meaningful action.
Purpose of the Role.
- Lead transport strategy development and multi-year programme planning.
- Build relationships with DfT, Network Rail, National Highways, TfL and local authorities.
- Represent GECCA nationally and regionally on all transport matters.
- Integrate complex systems and ensure cohesive transport policy and delivery.
- Build partnerships and raise the profile of Greater Essex at a regional and national level, working across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to drive inward investment, secure funding from government, and ensure value for money in all financial commitments.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Act as principal advisor on transport strategy, investment and policy.
- Secure funding, drive investment and lead major programme development.
- Influence regional and national policy for transport.
Corporate Responsibilities
- Oversee integrated transport programme development.
- Manage relationships with national transport bodies.
- Ensure value for money and robust governance.
People Leadership
- Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration and continuous learning.
- Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in programme design and organisational culture.
- Act as a visible ambassador for Greater Essex, advocating for investment and innovation
- Build capability, talent pipelines and strong internal and external relationships.
- Lead transformation across transport teams and systems.
- Ensure health and safety compliance across public transport assets.
Candidate Profile (Essentials)
- Extensive transport policy, strategy and delivery expertise.
- Experience operating in complex political/government environments.
- Strong partnership-building with national agencies.
- Innovative, ambitious and resilient leader.
*Please note: All role dimensions (budget, line reports, etc) will be established and subject to change during the set-up stage of the interim Combined County Authority
This role is being recruited on behalf of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Thurrock Council and Essex County Council.This appointment is being managed by Essex Shared Services. Should you have any enquiries or would like to request a confidential discussion please contact Samantha Myddelton on ( samantha.myddelton@essex.gov.uk 0333 013 0098) or Sadie Orwell ( sadie.orwell@essex.gov.uk 0333 032 2356) .
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with Essex Shared Services at essexsharedservices@essex.gov.uk
As part of the application process, you will be required to submit a CV and supporting statement. Click ‘APPLY’ to begin your application
Closing date for applications:14th December 2025 at 23:59pm