Senior Transport Modeller

Hours: 37 hours Contract: Permanent Salary: £42,840 - £46,142 Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office) Transport shapes how people live, work, and connect across South Yorkshire. At the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), we’re putting high‑quality modelling and analysis at the heart of designing a better, fairer and more reliable transport network. The insight you generate in this role will directly influence decisions that affect real people, open opportunities, and support the region’s long‑term ambitions. This is an exciting moment to join us. Our devolution deal gives us greater control over how transport funding is used. Our Mayor has set ambitious goals: revitalising our tram system following its return to public control, transforming the bus network as we move towards franchising, and delivering major improvements for active travel. As SYMCA grows its analytical capability, you’ll play a central role in shaping evidence-driven transport planning. As a Senior Transport Modeller , you’ll be a key member of the Insight Team, developing and applying our new Strategic Transport Model. Working closely with the Lead Transport Modeller, you’ll turn complex outputs into clear, actionable insights that inform policy, business cases, and investment decisions. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across SYMCA and our four Local Authorities, offering DfT‑compliant analytical advice on initiatives ranging from mass transit extensions to new rail opportunities, bus franchising, and active travel schemes. Communication is central to this role. You’ll translate technical analysis for non‑technical audiences—ensuring decision-makers understand what the evidence shows and why it matters. We’re also committed to developing our people, and this role offers opportunities to deepen your modelling expertise while growing within a supportive and expanding analytical team. Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile. (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal . About the role In this role, you’ll apply technical modelling skills, support strategic decision‑making, and influence how programmes and projects are developed across South Yorkshire. You’ll work not just on model development, but on translating insights into meaningful action. Key responsibilities include: Supporting the Transport Directorate by undertaking modelling and analysis across tram, rail, bus, active travel and highway schemes using SYMCA’s Strategic Transport Model. Producing high‑quality analysis using a range of transport datasets from SYMCA, Local Authorities and national sources. Working with the Lead Transport Modeller and consultants to ensure modelling meets DfT standards and that outputs are communicated clearly for non‑technical audiences. Applying modelling tools, appraisal techniques and analytical approaches to support scheme development across short‑ and medium‑term planning horizons. Providing technical advice on modelling methodologies to ensure SYMCA’s work is robust, evidenced and aligned with policy needs. Supporting the development of business cases in line with DfT’s Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG), and engaging effectively with Local Authorities. Ensuring SYMCA applies the latest guidance and datasets issued by DfT and other relevant bodies. About you We’re seeking an analytical thinker with strong technical capability and excellent communication skills. You’ll need to be confident working with transport models, comfortable interpreting complex data, and able to explain insights clearly to a wide range of audiences. Essential: Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a quantitative subject, or an equivalent transport qualification. Practical experience applying quantitative techniques, modelling and analysis to transport policy or scheme development. Experience interpreting technical modelling outputs and applying them to policy development. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues in clear, non‑technical language. Experience building productive working relationships across teams. Strong organisational skills, able to manage deadlines, work autonomously and balance competing priorities. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Knowledge of DfT’s Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG). Desirable: Experience using SATURN, CUBE and Python. Previous experience working in or with the public sector. 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. In addition to the above, some of our benefits include - Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues. Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts. Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi-Scheme which allows office-based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time-off in the form of Flexi-Leave or banked Annual Leave. Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes. Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management. Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements. Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact [email protected] or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.