Senior Engagement Officer - Bus Franchising

Job Introduction If you have a track record of successfully developing and delivering engagement strategies, stakeholder programmes and public consultations that create meaningful change, we would love to hear from you. We are looking for a Senior Engagement Officer to play a key role in one of the most significant public transport transformation programmes in the West Midlands. Working within the Bus Franchising communications team, you will lead the development and delivery of engagement activity that helps shape the future of bus services across the region.

This role sits at the heart of a high-profile programme, working across a complex political, operational and public environment. You will build and maintain strong relationships with passengers, communities, local authorities, elected representatives, transport partners, staff and other key stakeholders, ensuring their views inform decision-making and programme delivery. You will work closely with the Strategic Communications Manager – Bus Franchising and line manage two Engagement Officers, providing strategic direction and ensuring engagement activities are delivered to the highest standard.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about public engagement, understands the importance of listening to communities, and can develop innovative approaches to reach diverse audiences across the West Midlands. Please note, this is a 2-year fixed term contract. What you will be doing Lead the development and delivery of engagement activity to support the WMCA's Bus Franchising programme.

Develop stakeholder mapping, engagement and influence strategies aligned to programme objectives and milestones. Provide a strategic focus to the delivery of statutory and non-statutory consultations. Develop and maintain strong relationships with influential stakeholders including local authority leaders, elected members, transport partners, bus operators, community organisations and staff. Create and deliver consultation plans tailored to different audiences and stakeholder groups.

Lead the development of outreach activities to improve understanding of the needs of bus users and communities across the West Midlands. Manage engagement risks associated with high-profile programme activity and support mitigation planning. Line manage and develop two Engagement Officers. Lead engagement campaigns, exhibitions, events and community activities from planning through to delivery and evaluation.

Monitor and evaluate engagement activity, using insight and data to continuously improve approaches and outcomes. Research best practice and emerging trends in consultation and engagement to support innovation within the programme. Produce reports and recommendations that demonstrate impact and inform future engagement activity. Act as a trusted advisor on engagement issues, working closely with communications colleagues, directors and programme teams.

What’s essential Significant experience working in a communications, engagement or consultation role. Proven experience of stakeholder management and relationship building. A track record of developing and delivering engagement strategies and consultation programmes with demonstrable impact. Experience of evaluating engagement performance and embedding continuous improvement. Experience engaging with high-profile stakeholders, including elected members and senior leaders.

Experience working with community groups and representative organisations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong project management and organisational skills. Ability to influence, negotiate and build credibility with a wide range of audiences. Knowledge of consultation best practice and emerging engagement trends. Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, confidentiality, and diplomacy along with the ability to challenge and influence.

A good team player able to build strong relationships Location. The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with a