Assistant Director Data and Analytics Transformational Change - Bus Reform

Description

At South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), we're entering a transformative era. With new powers and funding unlocked through devolution, we're building a region where decisions are driven by evidence, innovation, and the needs of our communities. Our bus franchising programme will make a difference to lives across South Yorkshire.

This is your opportunity to be at the heart of that change.

As we transition to a franchised bus system, we're looking for an exceptional Assistant Director for Data and Analytics Transformational Change to lead the data and analytical work programme that will power this transformation. You will lead on scoping the data, analysis, research and reporting needs for bus franchising, and will set up and lead the team to deliver on these requirements. You'll help us put data and analysis at the centre of how we design, deliver, and improve transport services-making a real difference to how people live, work, and travel across South Yorkshire.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.

About the role

As Assistant Director - Data and Analytics Transformational Change for Bus Reform, you will bring your expertise in the transport field to our transition to a franchised bus system in South Yorkshire. We are looking for someone who can take a truly multi-disciplinary approach, thinking about everything from customer experience data to data governance, databasing to performance reporting, always with outcomes for the people of South Yorkshire at the centre.

Collaborative working will be at the centre of your approach, engaging with colleagues across our organisation to scope an analytical work programme which will enable the successful transition to, and delivery of, our franchising aims. You will be an outstanding people leader, recruiting and building a new, high-performing team with a culture aligned to the delivery of our values. You will also be adept at communicating complex analysis and its implications to the most senior audiences.

This is a high-impact senior role that will shape the future of public transport in South Yorkshire.

About you

We're looking for a collaborative and forward-thinking leader with:

• Education to degree standard in a relevant discipline.
• Significant experience in a senior role leading a team on data, analysis and management information in transport or bus policy, operations or delivery.
• A deep understanding of data, analysis and management information relevant to bus reform, and of its surrounding landscape including practices and legal requirements around data collection, management and sharing.
• The ability to draw relevant, targeted insights from multiple sources of data and analysis, ensuring insights are effectively communicated in an appropriate way for a policy or delivery audience.
• Significant experience in taking a multi-disciplinary approach, understanding what disciplines outside your own can bring, and drawing together insights from different disciplines for a senior audience.
• A strong track record in the formulation and delivery of strategies and work programmes from scratch, which align with organisational priorities, deliver tangible results and improve outcomes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Significant experience engaging effectively with key partners within and outside your organisation.
• The proven ability to deliver a diverse and complex portfolio of workstreams and projects to time, budget and quality, using PPM techniques.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience of successfully leading, managing, and motivating a team to achieve their maximum potential, building a positive, collaborative team culture.

Please refer to the full person specification in the job description in your application.

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

• Local Government Pension Scheme - A comprehensive and attractive pension scheme with flexible contribution options, life cover and terminal illness cover after 2 years.
• Continuous Employment - If you are currently employed by a Local Government employer, your length of service can be transferred on starting.
• Enhanced Holiday Entitlement - 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme - Buy up to a further 15 days of leave per year.
• Hybrid working - Hybrid roles with some exceptions; remote working not available unless specified.
• Flexible Hours Scheme - Flexi-hours with opportunities for Flexi-Leave or banked Annual Leave.
• Rewarding You - Discounts, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.
• Training on the job - On-the-job training and qualifications support.
• Professional Membership Fees - Reimbursement of applicable professional body memberships after approval.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority: We are an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. All employees may request Flexible Working arrangements from day one. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact recruitment at the address shown in your application.