Shape how a nation moves

Active Travel England was created to make walking, wheeling and cycling the natural choice for everyday journeys. As England enters a new phase of ambition through the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, the opportunity to reshape how people move, connect and live has never been greater. The vision is clear: by 2035, more than half of short urban journeys will be walked or cycled, with children increasingly able to travel independently and communities enjoying healthier, more connected environments.

This is a pivotal moment of transition from ambition to delivery, and an important opportunity for an exceptional leader to drive systemic, national change.

The role

As Chief Executive, you will lead an organisation at the centre of a significant national investment programme, helping to direct around £4.5 billion of infrastructure funding through to 2030. You will be responsible for setting a clear, compelling vision, ensuring it aligns with Ministerial priorities while delivering measurable increases in walking, wheeling and cycling across the country.

You will oversee a diverse portfolio that combines grant funding, inspection, assurance and technical expertise, ensuring consistent quality and value from public investment. Acting as the Government's centre of excellence in active travel, you will play a central role in strengthening capability within local authorities, enabling confident, high-quality design and delivery that meets national standards.

This is a highly visible, outward-facing role. You will work closely with Ministers, Mayors and system leaders to shape national thinking, while staying firmly grounded in delivery, turning ambition into real, lasting change for communities across England.

Who we're looking for

We are seeking a leader with a proven track record of delivering complex, high-profile programmes in challenging or contested environments. You will bring the ability to align multiple stakeholders behind a shared vision and translate strategic ambition into measurable outcomes.

You will bring experience of shaping inclusive, high-performing organisations with strong governance and accountability, and will demonstrate a clear commitment to diversity, collaboration and continuous improvement. You will be an outstanding communicator, capable of articulating a compelling vision and engaging a wide range of audiences to support behavioural and cultural change.

Working with us

Active Travel England is part of the Department for Transport family, an organisation committed to bold ambition, curiosity and collaboration. Based in York, with regular travel across England and engagement in London, this role offers the opportunity to operate at the heart of government while remaining closely connected to local delivery.

Lead change that moves millions

This is a rare opportunity to lead a national organisation at the heart of long-term transformation, shaping how people travel, connect and live for generations to come

To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.

Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
23:55 on 31st July 2026

Long listing
Friday 14th August 2026

Preliminary interviews
Weeks commencing 17th and 24th August 2026

Short listing
Monday 7th September 2026

Assessments and Ministerial Conversations
Weeks commencing 7th and 14th September 2026

Final panel
Week commencing 28th September 2026

How to Apply

To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online form. This should be completed no later than 23:55 on 31st July 2026.

The application will include:

• A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
• A Statement of Suitability (no longer than 1000 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the criteria in the person specification.

Failure to submit both documents will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification.

For a confidential discussion to help inform your application, please contact our recruitment advisors at GatenbySanderson:

Orla Brennan, Senior Researcher | E: Orla.Brennan@gatenbysanderson.com

Michael Dobson, Partner | E: Michael.Dobson@gatenbysanderson.com

Olivia Robinson, Associate Consultant | E: Olivia.Robinson@gatenbysanderson.com