Enhanced Partnership Manager - Cumbria Combined Authority

Enhanced Partnership Manager - Cumbria Combined Authority

Job description

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Enhanced Partnership Manager – Cumbria Combined Authority

Salary: £48 738 - £49 817

Location: Penrith (including agile working and working from home)
Contract Type: Permanent

Shape the Future of Cumbria

Cumbria is entering a bold new chapter.

The creation of the Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock the full potential of one of England’s most distinctive places. With devolution bringing new powers, new investment and a directly elected Mayor from May 2027, the Authority will play a central role in driving inclusive growth, improving public services and championing the needs of communities across Cumbria.

As we establish the organisation, we are seeking a Enhanced Partnership Manager to join us on our journey.

About this opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of bus services across Cumbria at a pivotal moment for transport delivery and devolution.

The Cumbria Combined Authority is now responsible for providing strategic leadership for transport across Cumbria and is developing a new Local Transport Plan, Local Transport Delivery Plan and long-term approach to public transport investment. As part of this, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Enhanced Partnership Manager to lead the ongoing development and delivery of Cumbria's Enhanced Bus Partnership.

Working directly with bus operators, constituent councils, communities, government and industry partners, you will play a leading role in delivering the Bus Service Improvement Plan and helping to create a bus network that is reliable, accessible, integrated and focused on customer needs

The role provides the opportunity to influence public transport policy and investment across one of England's largest and most distinctive geographies, supporting communities ranging from major towns and employment centres to remote rural and coastal areas.

You will be at the heart of Cumbria's public transport transformation, helping to deliver improvements to services, infrastructure, passenger experience and network performance while contributing to wider ambitions around economic growth, social inclusion, decarbonisation and connectivity.

Who we are looking for…

We are looking for an individual with a strong understanding of public transport, partnership working and service improvement who can turn policy ambitions into practical delivery.

You will bring experience of working within transport, public transport, local government or a related sector and will be comfortable operating in a partnership environment involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience of managing complex partnerships, programmes or projects.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to build productive relationships with operators, local authorities and government bodies.
• Experience of analysing data and using evidence to support decision-making and service improvement.
• Excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• An understanding of bus policy, Enhanced Partnerships, Bus Service Improvement Plans and public transport delivery models.
• The ability to influence, negotiate and achieve outcomes through collaboration and partnership working.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is passionate about improving public transport and understands the vital role that buses play in connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, services and opportunities across Cumbria.

Why Join Cumbria Combined Authority?

• Be part of a brand-new organisation with real devolved powers
• Work with passionate partners across public, private and community sectors
• Make a tangible difference to places, people and opportunities across Cumbria
• Leave a lasting legacy by preparing the Authority for long-term success

If you are inspired by the opportunity to build something new, meaningful and impactful, and to help shape the future of Cumbria, we would love to hear from you.

Join us at the start of Cumbria’s journey – and help turn ambition into reality.

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the Role Profile.

If you have any queries or would like an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Graeme Innes on graeme.innes@cumbria-ca.gov.uk

Location

This role may be suitable for hybrid working, which means an employee works part of their time in the office and part from home. This is a voluntary and non‑contractual arrangement between you and your manager, and your contractual place of work will remain your office location.

If a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for both the role and for you, you will normally be required to spend a minimum of 40% of your working hours in the office. Our main office is at Redhills, near Penrith. We are also able to use offices of our partner authorities across the county to help fulfil this expectation.

Please discuss any caring responsibilities, disabilities, or other circumstances that may affect your ability to meet this minimum office attendance requirement with the recruiting manager.

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 18 October 2026

Final interview date: 02 + 03 November 2026

Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.