The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the MCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.

Please note that SYMCA follows a structured salary grading system for all roles, and the offered salary for each post will be at the starting point within the specified grade. We value the skills and experience of potential candidates, and there will be opportunities for salary enhancements as you grow within South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is currently in the process of reviewing its terms and conditions of employment including pay and grading. As part of this project, the post advertised may be subject to changes in the near future. All changes and any impact on individual posts will be discussed further should you be successfully appointed to the position you have applied for.

Applications must be accompanied by a detailed cover letter to outline your interest and suitability for the role, please see the role profile attached.

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 2nd July 2025.

Key Responsibilities

As Rail Development Manager you will lead our Rail team and help shape the future of rail across the region. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in delivering better rail services, improving accessibility, and supporting our ambitions for rail devolution.

You will lead the development and coordination of activity across SYMCA to maximise the benefits of the region’s rail network. Working closely with Train Operating Companies, Transport for the North, and other key partners to ensure services meet the needs of our communities and align with our strategic goals.

You will also support the development of rail policy and projects that improve integration, accessibility, and customer experience—helping to grow rail use across South Yorkshire.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage the Rail Team, overseeing budgets, business plans, and project delivery.
• Support the development and implementation of SYMCA’s rail strategy and policy during the transition to enhanced rail devolution and contribute to national rail reform.
• Represent SYMCA at regional and national forums, ensuring our interests are clearly articulated.
• Work with partners to deliver improvements to rail services, stations, and infrastructure.
• Champion accessibility and inclusion, encouraging rail use among under-represented groups.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

You’ll be a strategic thinker and experienced transport professional who can lead with confidence and clarity. You’ll need to bring a deep understanding of the rail industry—both light and heavy rail—and a proven ability to manage complex projects, contracts, and stakeholder relationships. You’ll be comfortable working at senior levels, often in high-pressure or politically sensitive environments, and able to provide clear, evidence-based advice to decision-makers.

We’d love to hear from candidates with the following skills and experience:

• Strong knowledge of the rail industry.
• Experience managing rail franchise contracts and assets.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Sound judgement and the ability to anticipate and plan for future developments.
• Knowledge of the regional rail network and rail-related highways matters.
• Experience in station improvement projects and asset transfer processes.

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 benefits include -

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.

Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway!

Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on the job training and qualifications

Holiday – Up to 36 days annual leave (depending on length of service). Pro-rata for part time colleagues.

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. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

About South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the SYMCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.

In recent years significant funding has been secured through the Transforming Cities Fund and a devolution deal, and further funding has recently been secured through the region’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. As result we have a large and growing capital programme to deliver in support of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Mayor’s 2040 vision for transport. Join our workforce of talented people who love working together – and are proud of the work they do. Progression here can take you in all kinds of directions.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is currently in the process of reviewing its terms and conditions of employment including pay and grading. As part of this project, the post advertised may be subject to changes in the near future. All changes and any impact on individual posts will be discussed further should you be successfully appointed to the position you have applied for.

This is what a career at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is like, and this is where yours starts.