Assistant director – highway and parking policy

Job Title: Assistant Director – Highway and Parking Policy

Salary Range: £99,084-£116,847 (MG4)

Location: Richmond and Wandsworth

Objective of role

The primary objective is to provide strategic leadership and direction for highway and parking policy across Wandsworth and Richmond Councils, delivering a modern, efficient, and sustainable parking service. The role ensures parking policy meets operational and financial requirements while supporting council priorities such as environmental sustainability, air quality improvement, economic vitality, and active travel.

About the role

Wandsworth and Richmond Councils seek a senior, forward‑thinking leader to head the Highway & Parking Policy function. The Assistant Director will shape and deliver innovative parking policies that balance residents, businesses, and visitors while supporting broader transport, environmental, and place‑based objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of parking policy and strategy across both boroughs.
• Oversee Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs), permits, enforcement policy, and tariff structures.
• Ensure parking services contribute to wider transport, climate, and public realm goals.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership, elected members, and stakeholders.
• Manage and develop high‑performing, multidisciplinary teams.
• Drive digital transformation and service modernisation within parking services.
• Oversee budgets, income generation, and financial performance of parking operations.
• Lead consultations, stakeholder engagement, and partnership working.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Professional qualifications in the highway/transport sector.
• Deep expertise in parking policy, legislation, and operations.
• Strong leadership experience managing complex services.
• Political astuteness and experience working with elected members.
• Track record of delivering service transformation and innovation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commitment to sustainable transport and improving urban environments.

Equal Opportunities

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making recruitment practices inclusive for everyone. We promote equality and diversity and value differences among employees. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process upon request.

We also support safeguarding and the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; appointment is conditional upon a satisfactory DBS check.

Benefits

Benefits include 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working, and a generous pension plan.