Bus Network Performance Specialist

We’re looking for a Bus Network Performance Specialist to join our team and play a key role in understanding and improving the performance of the bus network across the West Midlands. This is an opportunity to take complex operational data and turn it into meaningful insight that is customer focused, helps shape decisions, improve services and deliver better outcomes for passengers.

You’ll be responsible for analysing, interpreting and reporting on bus network performance, using weekly data from operators and a range of data systems to monitor punctuality, reliability and wider network performance. Your insight will provide an important evidence base for colleagues developing schemes and interventions, helping them understand how the network is performing both operationally and strategically. You’ll also have responsibility for commissioning and managing additional data and survey activity, working closely with our Customer Intelligence team, and external data providers, to identify and develop the information needed to strengthen our understanding of the network.

We’re looking for someone who is naturally curious, inquisitive and keen to learn. You’ll need to be confident analysing and interpreting data, but just as importantly, you’ll be able to explain what that data means, presenting it in a manner accessible to our audience, and use it to influence decisions.

Most importantly, you’ll be joining a great team where your work will have a tangible impact. The insight you provide will help guide operators and local authority partners, support improvements to the bus network and ultimately help make people’s journeys across the West Midlands better.

Please note, this is a 2-year fixed term contract.

What you will be doing

• Support the development, monitoring and evaluation of bus network performance strategies across the West Midlands
• Support business cases, funding submissions and investment proposals
• Work collaboratively with local authorities and stakeholders to identify opportunities for bus priority measures and network improvements
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with bus operators, local authorities, partnership bodies, external data providers and internal teams
• Work closely with the Bus Partnerships and Bus Services Teams to monitor performance outcomes
• Collect, manage, analyse and interpret operational, performance and survey data from a wide range of internal and external sources
• Monitor compliance with bus service standards and infrastructure commitments
• Produce regular performance reports, dashboards and datasets for internal and external stakeholders
• Commission and manage surveys and primary data collection exercises and analyse findings, We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don’t fit the traditional “perfect candidate” mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don’t let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

• Experience of analysing and interpreting complex datasets from multiple sources
• Experience of producing reports, dashboards and performance information for a range of audiences
• Experience of partnership working with multiple stakeholders
• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise tasks and work flexibly to meet deadlines
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong knowledge of spreadsheets, databases and data analysis tools
• Ability to interpret performance data and present findings clearly
• Ability to communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences
• Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and with external partners

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it’s needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people’s lives, every day.

Our Values and Behaviours.

Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.

• Collaborative - We work as one organisation. Together we build trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and residents to create the biggest impact for our region.
• Driven - We are focused on outcomes. We perform at our best to unlock productivity and delivery, achieving the greatest regional impact.
• Inclusive - We value difference. Creating an environment where people belong, and feel psychologically safe, so we can all thrive and shape a West Midlands built for everyone.
• Innovative - We are courageous. We embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo to continuously improve and shape the future of the West Midlands.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.