Job detail for Bus Policy Manager

Bus policy is a high profile area that has been a priority of successive Governments. Bus plays a vital role in delivering an affordable and accessible public transport network in Scotland, as 73% of all journeys are made by bus. In addition to the existing concessionary travel schemes, the programme for government includes commitments for a nationwide £2 bus fare cap and better buses legislation to be delivered by the end of this parliament. This aims to support the delivery of affordable fares nationally, foster new routes, not least in rural areas, and improve local services.

This exciting role provides the opportunity to work with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to develop policy for the better buses programme, and review existing support mechanisms for bus to ensure alignment over the longer term. The role will also include line management of 2 B2’s who lead on workstreams such as community transport, sponsorship of Bus Users Scotland and Community Transport Association Scotland, franchising fund, and the rural bus service review aimed at identify opportunities for franchising in rural areas. The team works closely together and values collaborative working, supporting each other to meet urgent deadlines.

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• Lead on policy development for the better buses programme, with particular focus on reviewing existing support mechanisms and making recommendations for improvement, as well as  supporting the Bus Regulatory Policy team on development of legislation.
• Lead on policy for existing bus support schemes, including Network Support Grant and Plugged in Communities Fund.
• Contribute to development and delivery of any new bus support schemes, working closely with colleagues in the Business and Operations Unit where required.
• Line management of 2 B2’s, including support to deliver on their workstreams and
• Manage corporate and ministerial support tasks, such as preparing briefing and submissions for Ministers, as well as compiling core briefs, MiCases, Parliamentary Questions, First Minister’s Questions, Freedom of Information responses, etc.
• Support flexible and joined up working within bus policy team and more widely.
• Maintain and build strong relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to help shape the development bus policy and strategy.
• Contribute to the collective development and continuous improvement of the team and wider unit.

Success profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.

Experience

• Experience in policy, project management and procurement processes.

Behaviours:

• Communicating and influence - Level 3
• Delivering at Pace - Level 3
• Working Together - Level 3

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here.

How to apply

Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 1500 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c (TBC) however this may be subject to change.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

About us

Transport Scotland is the national transport agency, seeking to deliver a safe, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable transport system for the benefit of the people of Scotland. Transport Scotland is accountable to Parliament and the public through Scottish Ministers, with a budget of around £4 billion per year. Transport is a vital feature of the Scottish Government's focus on increasing sustainable economic growth, and transport investments and policies have major impacts on the economy, people, and the environment.

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Working pattern

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role.

Transport Scotland staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location.

Security checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, and read about the Government Vetting Charter, or about all the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.

Internal candidates may need to gain higher security clearance than they currently hold if successful in their application.

Equality Statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Sponsorship

Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

Further information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

For more information on this role, please contact Roisin Curran by email at Roisin.Curran@transport.gov.scot

Apply Before: 15th October 2026 (23:59) - This role is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship organisations only.