Transport Policy Officer

The Role

Do you see yourself shaping transport policy across Southwark?

Can you use your planning and analytical skills to deliver innovative solutions for the borough?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

Southwark Highways is evolving, and our Programme, Policy and Support Team is looking for a passionate and proactive Transport Policy Officer to join us and help drive strategy, innovation, and service delivery.

About the Role:

As a Transport Policy Officer, you will develop and deliver transport policy and strategy that supports Southwark Council’s political and service objectives. You’ll play a key role in coordinating programmes of work, monitoring their progress, and ensuring effective delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing transport policies and programmes, including investment strategies, in line with performance standards
• Supporting senior staff in high-level meetings with government departments, Transport for London, and other authorities
• Leading negotiations with internal teams, developers, landowners, and community groups to resolve transport-related issues
• Monitoring and reviewing transport policy, including charges and compliance with legislation
• Driving service improvements and innovation, including digital solutions
• Supervising and commissioning research to support policy development and project implementation
• Advising members and senior officers with political awareness and expert guidance
• Supporting team development, including mentoring junior staff or graduates

This role provides a real opportunity to influence transport strategy across the borough while gaining experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery.

About You:

You are a motivated and analytical professional who enjoys problem-solving and delivering tangible results. You will have:

Essential:

• Experience in transport planning, policy development, or a related field
• Strong communication and negotiation skills for engaging with multiple stakeholders
• Ability to manage projects, budgets, and performance objectives effectively
• A proactive and innovative approach to delivering improvements
• Confidence in interpreting data and using it to inform policy decisions
• Political awareness and the ability to provide expert advice to senior officers and elected members

You will also:

• Work well as part of a team and support the development of colleagues
• Be comfortable handling complex projects and multiple priorities
• Have a positive approach to challenges and changes in a busy environment

About the Team:

The Highways – Programme, Policy and Support Team is responsible for delivering transport planning policy, strategy, and service excellence across Southwark. We operate in a collaborative, fast-paced environment that rewards proactivity, innovation, and high-quality delivery.

Joining our team, you will:

• Work with colleagues across council services and external partners to deliver impactful projects
• Develop your skills and experience in transport policy, strategy, and programme management
• Be part of a culture that encourages innovation, continuous improvement, and service excellence

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tom Robison at tom.robison@southwark.gov.uk

Benefits and more information:

https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/

Recruitment timetable

Advert close date: 11:59pm on 4th March 2026

Interview date/s: 11th March 2026

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Attachments

• 260130 Transport Policy Officer JD PS.docx