Dumfries and Galloway Council

SWestrans Strategic Lead

Part time (0.5 FTE) • Permanent
Dumfries • £64,086 – £69,003 (pro rata)

Lead the Future of Transport in South West Scotland

Dumfries and Galloway Council is seeking an exceptional strategic leader to guide Swestrans, our Regional Transport Partnership. This is a rare and influential role, offering the chance to shape the transport landscape of South West Scotland and ensure our region benefits from a sustainable, modern, and well connected network.

SWestrans plays a crucial part in improving mobility and connectivity across a diverse rural region. As Strategic Lead, you will drive the Regional Transport Strategy and champion the region’s interests at national level. You will act as the key representative for the Partnership, engaging confidently with senior officers, elected members, and national political stakeholders. Your leadership will help secure investment, influence policy direction, and ensure that the voices of our communities are heard in Scotland wide transport planning.

In this senior role, you will oversee major capital and revenue programmes, lead funding bids to the Scottish and UK Governments, and provide expert guidance to the SWestrans Board on long term strategic priorities. You will work across areas including active travel, local bus services, community transport, and regional infrastructure planning. This is a position where your decisions will have real and lasting impact on the region’s future.
The post is part time (0.5 FTE) with built in flexibility. Most work can be carried out remotely, with travel to Dumfries and Galloway required every six to eight weeks for Board meetings and partner engagement. This makes it well suited to those seeking a senior role that supports work–life balance or a portfolio career.

We are looking for:
• A confident, forward thinking leader educated to degree level with a strong record of achievement in a complex organisation.
• An individual with substantial expertise in transport strategy, passenger transport, or scheme delivery, who demonstrates excellent communication skills and the political awareness needed to work effectively with national partners.
• A strategic thinker with a whole system view, capable of navigating complex challenges, and managing financial resources and investment programmes with assurance.
• Someone who brings clarity, ambition, and collaboration, and can influence and deliver meaningful change.

A current driving licence is essential, with reasonable adjustments considered for disabled applicants.
As part of a dedicated team reporting to the Assistant Director of Transport and Infrastructure, you will help drive better outcomes for Dumfries and Galloway. This role offers the chance to lead pioneering work in rural mobility, active travel, decarbonisation, and connectivity, within an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives.

Interested?
For further information, please contact: 
Karen Brownlie | 07771 527 932 | [email protected]