Head of Programme, National Cycle Network

About the role

An opportunity to become a senior leader and influencer in active travel in Scotland has arisen in our Head of Programme for the National Cycle Network. You’ll be responsible for leading the Network Development and Co-Design Programme.

Network Development underpins Sustrans Paths for Everyone priority to deliver the National Cycle Network (NCN). The NCN is one of Sustrans most important initiatives across the UK and involves the delivery of active travel infrastructure in collaboration with a range of key partners. You will be responsible for the strategy, planning and delivery of our ambitious 30 Year National Cycle Network Plan for Scotland whilst developing strong partnerships with communities and local authorities to achieve maximum impact. This is an exciting opportunity to join Sustrans in Scotland to maximise the increased investment in Active Travel and scale up the impact and delivery of our Networks programme.

You will also lead our Co-Design work – a team of engagement specialists - who deliver innovative and high-quality exemplars for active travel infrastructure in partnership with communities and local authorities. This team works across all our programmes of work drawing on resource from our Engineering, Design and Assurance function to influence future design and delivery of active travel infrastructure.

Building and maintaining close relationships with key partners such as Scottish Government, Transport Scotland, local government, Active Travel Delivery Partners is key to sell your vision, influence and deliver active travel in Scotland.

You will be expected to ensure that the Programme is meeting performance targets, financial targets and delivering impact. From time to time you will review projects and stop those projects which are no longer delivering impact and to create new opportunities.

We offer true hybrid with the opportunity to work from home part of the time and the rest in one of our hubs in Edinburgh or Glasgow. This role will require some travel at locations as necessary to undertake projects on behalf of Sustrans.

About you

You must have experience of leading, motivating and managing project teams; with relevant previous experience in leading large-scale projects reliant on multi-disciplinary teams including project managers, urban designers, landscape architects, quantity surveyors and civil engineers. You should be able to demonstrate your knowledge of transport and active travel infrastructure, planning, delivery and best practice.

You will build relationships easily with both colleagues and external partners; allowing you to effectively engage and influence key infrastructure and/or active travel stakeholders on the delivery of projects.

A skilled communicator, you will be able to tailor your style to all levels, allowing you to connect successfully with external participants including communities, clients, partners, employers and/or education partners.

We aim to be a truly inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all parts of the community, in particular from under-represented groups. Sustrans is committed to reducing inequality, valuing diversity, and enabling inclusion.

What we offer

In return we can offer ongoing working from home (or a nearby Sustrans office when it’s safe to do so) and a truly flexible, supportive and rewarding working environment.

Wellbeing

• 26 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time working
• Ability to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff)
• Staff volunteer days
• 24/7 free, impartial and confidential support service
• We are members of the Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme who both offer cycle to work schemes

Financial

• Group Personal Pension scheme with a 4% or 5% of basic salary contribution being matched by Sustrans
• Bike, computer and season ticket loans
• Discount benefits

Family Friendly

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday)

Additional information

• Closing date for the receipt of completed applications is 23:59, Sunday 17th July
• Interviews will take place via MS Teams on 26th July

To apply, please complete our online application form. More details of our vacancies can be found at http://www.sustrans.org.uk/about-us/vacancies.

About Sustrans

Sustrans is the charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle. We connect people and places, create liveable neighbourhoods, transform the school run and deliver a happier, healthier commute.

Our vision and mission have never been more relevant. Across the UK, governments are pledging investment and action on walking and cycling.

We are working together to make a real difference - creating places where everyone can live and travel happily and healthily, and where nobody is excluded.

Our work wouldn’t be possible without the commitment and dedication of our colleagues.

We are proud of our employee net promoter score, being in the top 20% of all employers across all sectors in the UK, due to our energised, friendly, and motivated workforce.

Join Sustrans today and help us get things done, together!