Project Manager - Transport Schemes Commissioning

Date: 17 Jun 2026

Location: Taunton, GB, TA1 4DY

Company: Somerset Council

Closing date: 1 July 2026

Salary: £37,280 - £41,771 per annum.

Fixed term contract for 4 years

 

Role summary:

This role supports oversight of the development and scheme preparation stages of new active travel schemes. Specifically, you will be focussing on bus-related infrastructure projects funded by the Bus Service Grant.

You will be managing the projects as the schemes transition into construction, coordinating with various stakeholders to agree robust proposals and appropriate engagement from all necessary parties. You will secure necessary approvals and consents and commission necessary technical activity.

 

What you’ll do - key responsibilities:

  • Support the Service Manager for all matter related to the commissioning of new major and minor transport infrastructure schemes. Ensure swift progress is maintained through the life of the scheme.
  • Commission Major Transport Infrastructure Schemes.
  • Oversee the development and scheme preparation stages of new schemes following the approval to commence.
  • Manage projects with the authority and responsibility to run the project on a day-to-day basis up until the scheme transitions into construction.
  • Coordinate activity working with the various stakeholders to agree robust proposals, appropriate engagement from all necessary parties and secure all necessary approvals and consents.

 

What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills:

Essential

  • Knowledge and awareness of systems, techniques, best practice, performance and project management in relation to development and/or delivery of infrastructure projects.
  • Experience of engagement with communities and customer feedback channels.
  • Experience of operating equality and diversity measures in a professional context.
  • Educational qualification in a relevant discipline or acquired knowledge to degree level and ongoing commitment to continuous professional development.
  • Sound interpersonal communication and presentation skills, able to prepare and communicate technical information and data in a way which is accessible to a range of audiences including, delegates, related members, external bodies and members of the public.
  • Extensive and up to date competency in the use of a range of IT tools to support/facilitate the technical nature of the work.
  • When required will support the Service Manager in the resolution of contractual matters.
  • Ability to speak fluent English as stated in Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016).
  • Positive, committed, adaptable, thorough and confident approach.
  • Ability to work to deadlines and to motivate others to work effectively and demonstrate a duty of care.

 

Desirable

  • Knowledge of the statutory, regulatory, policy and contractual framework for highways and transport infrastructure development and delivery.
  • Experience in proving input into business cases for infrastructure funding.
  • Ability to produce/draft reports as commissioned to support decision making e.g. project initiation, progress reporting, resource planning and allocation, technical improvements etc.
  • Membership at (or demonstrably working towards) professional level of an appropriate professional institution or organisation.

 

Additional Information : 

  • This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week.
  • This is a fixed term contract with funding for 4 years
  • Flexible and hybrid working (1-2 days per week in the office).
  • 30 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays)
  • Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship

 

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Josephine Paterson, Service Manager – Transport Schemes Commissioning, via email at josephine.paterson@somerset.gov.uk.  

 

A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request quoting reference 1003/AB