Principal Design Officer - Mass Transit

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is delivering a transformative Mass Transit scheme to connect communities, reduce congestion and support sustainable growth across the region. As a key partner, Leeds City Council is seeking a creative and forward-thinking Design Officer to help shape the visual and functional identity of this major infrastructure initiative.

This role will be a cross-boundary resource for both Leeds City Council and Bradford Council to reflect Phase 1 of the Mass Transit system which will see routes from Leeds to Bradford and south Leeds to the city centre.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the design and integration of the West Yorkshire Mass Transit scheme as transformative infrastructure for the region. You will support the development of design strategies, advise on urban and transport design principles, and play a key role in ensuring a high-quality outcome through planning, stakeholder engagement and statutory processes, including the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) and representation at public inquiries.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

For other posts related to West Yorkshire Mass Transit, please search ‘Mass Transit’ in the keyword field.

About you
As a Design Officer, you will bring to the role:

• A relevant qualification or specialist degree relevant to the role.
• Detailed understanding of relevant specialism, legislation and practice.
• Understanding of and commitment to sustainability in service delivery.
• Understanding of local government and experience of achieving results in a politically sensitive context.
• Experience of working effectively with others to deliver cross projects.

About the role
As a Principal Design Officer, you will play a key role in assessing and advising on the design implications of the Mass Transit system. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring that design quality, functionality and contextual sensitivity are embedded throughout the planning, construction and operational phases of the scheme. You will help shape city-wide design policy and provide specialist guidance on urban design and placemaking.

This is a unique opportunity to apply your design expertise within forward-thinking local authorities where your insights will directly influence how the region’s identity and built environment evolve through major infrastructure projects.

• Support the development of high-quality design solutions across all stages of the Mass Transit scheme
• Contributing to statutory and regulatory processes, including the preparation of Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAO), and representing the organisation in formal proceedings such as public inquiries.
• Providing specialist guidance on design integration throughout the planning, design, and construction stages, including the drafting of robust planning conditions and design codes.
• Reviewing design proposals, planning applications, and technical reports to ensure alignment with design quality standards and strategic objectives.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that the scheme reflects best practice in inclusive, sustainable, and place-responsive design.

The service is based in Merrion House in Leeds City Centre, but has adopted a flexible, hybrid working model. There is also an expectation that some work will be undertaken in Bradford at Britannia House in Bradford City Centre.

What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

To see the full job description or to apply for this role please click on link or head over to the Leeds City Council job site.

Please note that the invites for interview will be issued in January 2026.