Partnership Manager – Strategy

Salary: £58,105 (SCP 86) – £60,842 (SCP 89) - £63,561 (SCP 92)

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: HITRANS officers are located in Inverness, Jura and Lairg but accommodation can also be secured through any of HITRANS Partner Councils. Hybrid working also available within the HITRANS region. Some attendance required at HITRANS Office, Inverness Town House

Help shape the future of transport across the Highlands and Islands

HITRANS is looking for an experienced and highly motivated Partnership Manager – Strategy to take a leading role in shaping transport policy, investment and partnership activity across the Highlands and Islands.

This is a senior and influential role offering the opportunity to work at the heart of regional transport strategy. You will lead the development and delivery of strategic policy and programmes, build strong relationships with regional and national partners, and help ensure that the distinctive transport and connectivity needs of the Highlands and Islands are reflected in future policy and investment decisions.

Working closely with the HITRANS Board, Partnership Director, member authorities and a wide range of partners, you will provide strategic advice, develop evidence-based proposals and represent HITRANS at senior regional and national level.

The role

Your responsibilities will include:

• leading the development and implementation of HITRANS transport strategy and policy;
• supporting the development and delivery of the HITRANS Regional Transport Strategy and the research that underpins it;
• leading the development, implementation and review of the HITRANS Regional Rail Strategy, working with partners to improve rail connectivity, passenger experience, infrastructure investment and integration;
• leading HITRANS strategic engagement in support of the National Islands Plan, helping ensure transport priorities reflect the needs of island communities;
• supporting HITRANS in fulfilling its statutory planning, policy and governance responsibilities;
• contributing to the delivery of the Highlands and Islands Health and Transport Partnership Plan;
• developing business cases, investment proposals and funding submissions to secure resources for regional priorities;
• leading strategic projects and programmes and monitoring their performance, budgets and outcomes;
• building effective relationships with local authorities, Transport Scotland, transport operators, government agencies, regional economic partnerships and other stakeholders; and
• representing HITRANS on regional and national partnerships, boards, working groups and forums.

You will also contribute to the wider leadership and development of HITRANS and deputise for the Partnership Director and Senior Partnership Manager when required.

About you

We are looking for someone who can combine strategic thinking with the ability to turn policy and partnership ambitions into deliverable outcomes.

You will have excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills and be confident developing productive relationships with senior stakeholders. You will bring strong analytical, policy development, organisational and programme management skills, together with the ability to exercise sound professional judgement and manage competing priorities.

You should have significant relevant experience, including:

• developing and delivering strategic projects, programmes or policy initiatives;
• partnership working across public, private or third-sector organisations;
• preparing business cases, funding submissions or policy reports;
• senior-level stakeholder engagement and relationship management;
• financial management and budget monitoring;
• governance, reporting and performance management;
• transport strategy, policy development or infrastructure planning; and
• representing an organisation within multi-agency partnerships, governance groups or external forums.

You will also have an understanding of statutory planning, governance and public-sector policy development processes.

You should be educated to degree level or be able to demonstrate equivalent relevant professional experience.

Knowledge or experience of regional transport, rail, infrastructure, economic development, island connectivity and rural transport would be particularly valuable.

Why HITRANS?

The Highlands and Islands present some of the UK's most distinctive transport opportunities and challenges. From rail and rural connectivity to island transport, economic development and access to essential services, effective transport has a fundamental role in the future prosperity and sustainability of the region.

This role provides an opportunity to influence that future.

You will join a small, collaborative organisation working with partners at local, regional and national level, with the scope to shape policy, develop investment priorities and help deliver meaningful improvements for communities across the Highlands and Islands.

HITRANS officers are currently located in Inverness, Jura and Lairg, and accommodation can also be secured through HITRANS Partner Councils. Hybrid working is available within the HITRANS region, with some attendance required at the HITRANS office in Inverness Town House.

If you have the strategic insight, partnership skills and ambition to help shape the future of transport and connectivity across the Highlands and Islands, we would welcome your application.

How to apply

Please apply through myjobscotland or complete the attached application form and email to info@hitrans.org.uk

Further information on the duties and requirements of the post is available in the accompanying Job Description and Person Specification.

Closing date: 5 October 2026

Interview date: 28 October 2026

HITRANS is committed to promoting equal opportunities