Head of Local Transport Operations

Overview

Cornwall is a large, diverse and distinctive unitary authority, with responsibility for the full range of local government services across urban, rural and coastal communities. Transport plays a critical role in enabling access to education, employment, health care and opportunity, and Cornwall Council is committed to delivering transport services that are reliable, inclusive and sustainable.

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Local Transport Operations to lead some of the Council's most visible and high-impact services at a time of significant change in national transport policy and local service delivery.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for the operational delivery of Cornwall's public transport network through Transport for Cornwall, statutory home-to-school transport, car parking operations across the authority, and the Council's fleet and green travel agenda. Working closely with elected Members, communities, operators and partners, you will ensure services are safe, financially sustainable and integrated, while supporting Cornwall's wider ambitions for connectivity, economic resilience and decarbonisation.

You will operate confidently within a political environment, providing clear advice and leadership while managing complex services and combined budgets in excess of £30 million. You will bring a strong grip on operational delivery alongside the ability to think strategically, respond to national policy change and lead services through challenge and transformation. Your leadership will help shape future bus services, strengthen community transport, improve the integration of home-to-school travel with the wider network, and stabilise and modernise parking and fleet operations.

This role requires a senior leader who values collaboration and inclusion, understands the importance of place-based working, and can build strong relationships across organisations and communities. You will empower managers and teams to innovate, develop their skills and take pride in delivering services that make a real difference to people's lives. You will also champion equality, fairness and respect, ensuring an inclusive working culture where everyone can contribute and succeed.

If you are motivated by public service, comfortable with complexity and committed to improving everyday journeys for residents, this is an opportunity to lead at scale and with purpose in one of the country's most distinctive unitary authorities.