8-9 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: The Head of Highways Maintenance and Management is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the delivery and operational management of all highways maintenance services, including carriageways, footways, cycleways, green infrastructure, drainage, and structures. Reporting to the Service Director of Infrastructure and Project Delivery, the role provides strategic leadership and technical expertise to ensure high-quality, customer-focused service delivery in line with organisational objectives, legislation, and best practices. The post-holder will lead service development, manage resources and budgets effectively, and foster strong collaborative relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): Develop and implement strategic objectives aligned with organisational priorities and legislative requirements. Lead and manage highways maintenance teams to ensure effective service delivery, operational planning, and compliance with standards and policies. Provide expert professional advice and maintain up-to-date policies and best practices within the highways maintenance remit. Monitor and report on performance metrics and operational outcomes, using data to drive continuous improvement. Manage financial resources, ensuring value for money and adherence to procurement and financial regulations. Represent the organisation at partner, board, and stakeholder meetings, building and maintaining effective relationships. Lead change management initiatives and service improvement projects within the highways maintenance function. Ensure health, safety, and wellbeing are embedded in all activities. Support staff development, succession planning, and promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Skills/Experience: Extensive knowledge of highways maintenance, local government legislation, policy, and procurement regulations. Proven strategic thinking and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyse risk and deliver effective outcomes. Strong interpersonal, negotiation, advocacy, and communication skills, capable of engaging diverse audiences. Demonstrable leadership and management experience within a large, complex organisation. Experience in performance management, financial oversight, and project delivery. High personal motivation, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, with practical understanding of embedding these principles in the workplace.
Additional Information: The role is Hybrid. Enhanced DBS is required for this role. Degree-level qualification or equivalent extensive professional experience in a relevant discipline such as civil engineering, project or programme management.
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