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Director of Transport and Climate
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Director of Transport and Climate
Director of Transport & Climate, Reading Borough Council
Full Time | Permanent | Reading
Proposed Salary: £96,900 to £112,827 per year Closing Date: 27 July 2026 Apply here
About Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council is driving transformation to create a bold, connected, and future-ready borough. Key projects include:
- Town centre reimagining: Boosting economic growth and urban innovation.
- Other links: Investment in better transport, stronger connectivity, and a sustainable, low-carbon future that benefits all residents.
- Active travel initiatives: Reducing reliance on cars and promoting healthier, greener mobility options.
As a fast-paced, high-performing organisation, we are committed to:
- Enhancing quality of life, connectivity, and net zero goals.
- Fostering an environment where innovation and large-scale delivery thrive.
- Reshaping public transport, urban development, and climate action—with lasting regional and national impacts.
This leadership role will reshape daily life in Reading, advancing mobility, sustainability, and economic prosperity.
The Role
We seek an accustomed and credible leader to shape Bold transport and climate strategies and ensure ambitious priorities are delivered for the borough.
Your Portfolio Will Include
This is a full portfolio director role responsible for delivering high-visibility services with direct impact on residents:
- Strategic Transport
- Transport Development Management
- Climate and Sustainability
- Network Services
- Parking Services
The Council has recently acquired its own transport company (Arriva Berkshire), cementing the agency’s leadership in the sector.
Your Job Will Include:
✔ Transport Strategy: Build and drive cohesive transport networks—improving affordability, reliability, and environmental sustainability for residents, commuters, and visitors. ✔ Climate Leadership: Work at a local, regional, and national level to reduce carbon emissions, advance net zero ambitions, and future-proof Reading against climate challenges. ✔ Community Engagement: Partner with stakeholders, community leaders, and anchor institutions (via the Reading Climate Change Partnership). ✔ Performance Delivery: Deliver real-world outcomes through expertise in budget management, policy, and statutory regulations. ✔ Cross-Portfolio Leadership: Collaborate with elected members and colleagues, representing these critical services in high-profile settings.
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Key Responsibilities
- Summarising Vision to Reality: Align high-level strategies with daily services, ensuring eliminating inequality and improving quality of life through transport and climate action.
- Network Management: Direct long-term planning covering public transport, parking, traffic regulation, and mobility projects—balancing growth with air quality and safety standards.
- Climate and Sustainability: Embed cleaner travel behaviors, enhance environmental resilience, and advocate for a healthier, less polluted borough.
- Governance and External Influence: Represent the Council in national discussions on climate, transport, and sustainability—collaborating with government, business, and NGOs.
- Delivering Solutions: Use strong financial, analytical, and stakeholder skills to drive impactful changes.
This role is critical for Reading’s ambition to be a green, connected, and thriving city.
Key Requirements
Experience & Expertise
- Proven leadership as an Executive Director or equivalent, with transport, climate, or network services portfolio experience.
- Deep understanding of transport planning, sustainable mobility strategies, and legislation (e.g., Traffic Act, Air Quality Directives, Climate Change Agendas).
- Strategic thinking: Ability to translate complex policies into action, balancing short-term performance and long-term transformation.
- Commercial acumen: Skilled in sound financial oversight, consultancy management, and PR-driven delivery.
- Navigating Political Landscapes: Familiarity with council politics, elected members’ priorities, and public engagement requirements.
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Personal Skills
- Strong communication and project leadership skills to engage communities and partners.
- Earmarked by leadership quality, a pull for innovation and team cohesion—and confidence in high-pressure environments.
- Demonstrates a passion for the agenda and real-world delivery.
Why Join Reading Council?
- Impact: Shape ** Смодернизация الجهاز,телями, такого рода работы**
- Influence: Collaborate with peers in national climate and transport discussions.
- Investment in Talent: Ownership, balanced with expectations to drive strategic priorities.
- Diverse Teams: Belong to a culturally rich, energetic culture that values talent and ideas.
- Work-Life Quality: Competitive benefits including leaders’ real support and work-life flexibility.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply via reabcli.webitrent.com by Monday, 27th July 2026.
Alternatively, visit team-reading.co.uk or email Steve Guest at Solace in Business for a confidential discussion (020 7976 3311).
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