GatenbySanderson
Chief Executive, Active Travel England (ATE)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Chief Executive – Active Travel England (ATE)
Salary: £105,000 | Location: York (national remit)
This job post will be advertised for a minimum of two weeks on LinkedIn. For applications, please contact the advising consultants after this period via their website: Chief Executive at GatenbySanderson. Applications must close at 23:55 on 31 July 2026.
Shape a Nation’s Movement
Active Travel England (ATE) drives the transformation to make walking, wheeling, and cycling the natural choice for everyday journeys. As England progresses through its Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, the call to reshape transport is unprecedented: by 2035, more than half of short urban journeys should be active, supporting healthier communities and independent travel for children.
This is a transitional moment—changing ambition into real impact. The role demands an exceptional leader to drive this national transformation.
The Role
As Chief Executive, you’ll:
- Lead Active Travel England, positioned at the heart of a £4.5 billion infrastructure funding programme (2020–2030).
- Set a clear, compelling vision that aligns with Ministerial priorities, ensuring measurable improvements in active travel across England.
- Direct a diverse portfolio—grant funding, inspections, assurance, and technical expertise—guaranteeing high-quality public investment.
- Serve as the Government’s centre of excellence in active travel, elevating local authority capability.
- Navigate outward-facing settings with confidence, aligning policy with delivery, and translating vision into lasting change for communities.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
This is a high-visibility role, working closely with Ministers, Mayors, and system leaders in an environment of political and operational complexities.
What We’re Looking For
We seek a strategic leader with:
- A record of delivering large-scale, high-stakes programmes in contested or challenging environments.
- Expertise in aligning multiple stakeholders behind systemic change and driving measurable outcomes.
- Inclusive leadership—building high-performing organisations with strong governance, commitment to diversity, and continuous improvement.
- Outstanding communication skills—inspiring through compelling visions, engaging diverse audiences, and effecting cultural and behavioural change.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Working with Us
Active Travel England is part of the Department for Transport, an organisation defined by bold ambition, curiosity, and collaboration. The role blends government leadership (York-based, with national/regional travel and occasional London presence) with direct impact at the local level.
Application Process
For confidential discussions, contact GatenbySanderson advisors: Orla Brennan – Orla.brennan@gatenbysanderson.com
Closing date: 23:55 on 31 July 2026.
Lead Change That Moves Millions
This is a rare opportunity to drive a national transformation—shaping people’s movement, connectivity, and quality of life for generations.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location