Head of Highway Operations - Interim Contract
Rate: £75.60 per hour 4 days per week 8 hours per day Contract via Morson Expenses for site visits & travel outside the office
Morson is recruiting for an experienced Head of Highway Operations to provide strategic leadership and direction for a major public sector highways service. This is an exciting interim opportunity to shape service delivery, drive innovation, and ensure value for money across a broad range of construction, maintenance, and operational activities on the highway network.
About the Role
You will provide vision, strategic direction, and visible leadership for a large highways operations service (c.200 staff), ensuring delivery against agreed service plan outcomes. The role combines responsibility for internal teams and the management of external supply chain partners, fostering a culture of safety, excellence, and continuous improvement.
This is a highly influential position, deputising for senior leadership where required, and collaborating with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders including elected members, partner agencies, contractors, and local communities.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead all highway construction, maintenance, and related operations.
* Champion a right first time ethos, driving high standards in service delivery.
* Manage health, safety, quality, and environmental performance to industry-leading standards.
* Develop a sustainable delivery model that balances internal capability with external frameworks.
* Implement a robust resourcing strategy, including succession planning and talent development.
* Oversee commercial, cost control, and contractual compliance functions.
* Ensure effective risk management and process audits.
* Lead adverse weather and emergency response operations.
* Maintain positive industrial relations with unions and foster a collaborative working culture.
About You
We're looking for a highly experienced highways leader with:
* Proven senior-level experience in highways or large-scale infrastructure operations.
* Strong track record in health, safety, quality, and environmental management.
* Commercial acumen and experience managing multi-million-pound budgets.
* Strategic leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
* Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and partnership skills.
Contract Details
* Rate: £75.60 per hour (Umbrella)
* Hours: 4 days per week, 8 hours per day
* Contract: Interim via Morson
Expenses: Paid for site visits and travel to non-office locations
If you're ready to take on a high-impact leadership role shaping the future of a major highways operation, apply today with your CV. #J-18808-Ljbffr