Deputy Director, Mission and Corporate Delivery, Public Transport Strategy and Security Directorate

Are you excited by the prospect of leading the transport elements of the Governments key commitments on safer streets and improving public health?

Step into a role at the heart of delivering safer, more inclusive, and healthier journeys for millions.

You will be joining a Deputy Director job share that will lead a high-impact portfolio, shaping personal safety across the transport network, driving forward a step change in womens safety on public transport, and championing transports critical contribution to wider health outcomes.

This is a pivotal leadership position where strategic vision meets visible, real-world impact, ensuring that every passenger feels confident, protected, and supported when using public transport.

Alongside this, you will provide trusted leadership to the corporate support team for the Public Transport and Local Group, enabling effective delivery across a complex and high-profile agenda.

If you are motivated by making a tangible difference to peoples everyday experiences and outcomes, this is an opportunity to lead change that truly matters.

Responsibilities

With a clear mission to deliver meaningful change for the travelling public, you will drive the Departments contribution to the Cross-Government Safer Streets Mission, championing personal safety and ensuring transport plays a leading role in tackling violence against women and girls and antisocial behaviour.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Leading and co-ordinatingDfTs contribution to the cross-Whitehall Safer Streets Mission working closely with partners across government and the wider DfT family.
• Driving forward a bold, outcomes-focused programme to reduce violence against women and girls and antisocial behaviour across all modes of transport.
• Providing strategic oversight of personal safety initiatives spanning local transport (including buses, taxis and private hire), rail, roads and active travel
• Overseeing delivery of high-impact programmes, including a significant Spending Review 2025 commitment to improve CCTV provision on buses.
• Spearheading the development of innovative solutions, including proposals for a national reporting tool for crime and antisocial behaviour across the transport network.
• Commissioning and shaping research to identify new opportunities to enhance safety and confidence for transport users.
• Leading a dynamic external engagement and communications strategy, building strong partnerships with transport operators and local authorities to raise awareness, influence behaviour, and deliver tangible improvements on the ground.
• Play a leading role in shaping how transport supports public health outcomes across government. Youll coordinate the Departments contribution to the Health Mission, working collaboratively with policy teams including the active travel policy team within DfT and Active Travel England, to ensure transport is a key driver in improving health and wellbeing nationwide. Youll also partner closely with departments such as DHSC and MHCLG, helping to deliver a truly cross-government mission with real impact.

• Head up the Public Transport Portfolio Office, playing a pivotal role at the heart of PTLG. This is a unique opportunity to shape how we deliver, support and continuously improve public transport policy and operations. Responsibilities in this area will include:

• Lead strategic financial and resource management, providing expert business partnering to PTLG directorates to ensure effective planning, prioritisation and delivery.
• Champion strong governance and risk management, guiding directorates to make confident, well-informed decisions.
• Drive engagement across PTLG, building strong relationships and ensuring clear, consistent communication at all levels.
• Oversee support to the DfT Policy Profession, helping to maintain high standards and professional excellence across the organisation.
• Chair and lead the PTLG People Committee, shaping our people strategy, culture and capability.
• Ensure robust management assurance and business continuity, keeping our operations resilient and future-ready.
• Provide oversight of the Director Generals Private Office, supporting effective leadership and decision-making at the highest level.

Play an active leadership role within the Public Transport Strategy and Security Senior Management Team, taking on leadership of corporate initiatives within the Directorate and Group as appropriate.

This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys working across complex portfolios, and is motivated by delivering meaningful outcomes for public transport.

You will need to be able to show, through your application, that you have the professional skills, breadth of experience and personal qualities for this post, as well as the leadership skills to succeed at Deputy Director level in the Senior Civil Service.

• Inspirational senior leadership A proven ability to lead at a strategic level, with oversight of critical areas such as personal transport safety, health, transport policy, and corporate delivery. Youll shape direction, set ambition, and ensure delivery at scale within PTLG.
• A track record of building and leading high-performing teams Experience creating and nurturing multidisciplinary teams that thrive in complexitychampioning innovation, fostering collaboration, and confidently leading through change.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills A natural relationship builder who can work seamlessly across government, industry, and international partnersbringing people together to deliver shared goals and impactful outcomes.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills The ability to distil complex technical and policy issues into clear, compelling narratives for Ministers and senior leaders, directly informing decision-making at the highest levels.
• A passion for delivering strong corporate outcomes Commitment to creating an environment where colleagues can succeedensuring senior leaders are equipped with the data, insights, and support they need to lead effectively and deliver excellent results.
• Forward-thinking strategic vision Experience developing long-term strategies and delivery plans that anticipate and respond to emerging technological and societal changesensuring the organisation is ready for the future.