Interim Head of Highways
Contract: Initial 6 Months
IR35: Likely Inside (final determination pending)
The Opportunity
An upper‑tier local authority is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Highways to provide strategic leadership across a large and complex highways and transport programme.
The role will play a critical part in overseeing the delivery of a major relief road scheme, supported by multi‑source funding beyond the authority itself. As a result, the financial viability of this programme is not impacted by the wider financial pressures currently facing the local government sector.
This is a high‑profile assignment with significant political, commercial, and delivery visibility, suited to an experienced highways leader who can operate confidently at senior level.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide overall strategic leadership for the highways and transport function
* Lead and assure delivery of a major infrastructure programme, including a flagship relief road scheme
* Act as senior client for highways capital projects, ensuring time, cost, and quality outcomes
* Work closely with elected members, senior officers, funding partners, and external stakeholders
* Provide clear governance, risk management, and reporting across the highways portfolio
* Lead, support, and stabilise senior management and professional teams within the service
* Ensure compliance with statutory duties, safety standards, and best practice
Candidate Profile
* Proven experience operating at Head of Service / Director‑level within highways or transport
* Strong background in managing large‑scale infrastructure and capital programmes
* Demonstrable experience working within complex political and stakeholder environments
* Confident leader with the ability to provide pace, grip, and assurance
* Local government experience is essential
Contract & IR35
* Initial six‑month contract, with potential for extension
* The role is currently expected to sit inside IR35
* The formal IR35 status has not yet been confirmed, and there may be scope to structure the engagement outside IR35, subject to final determination
Next Steps
If this assignment is of interest, further details can be shared following an initial discussion.