Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Highways leader to provide clear direction across a diverse and critical service area.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as the Council's principal advisor on highways, traffic management, road safety, and flood risk, ensuring full compliance with statutory duties and alignment with wider organisational priorities.
* Drive the development and delivery of key strategies, including asset management, infrastructure investment, and road safety.
* Oversee maintenance, inspections, and capital projects to ensure a safe, efficient, and sustainable network.
* Serve as Traffic Manager and Lead Local Flood Authority representative, playing a pivotal role in keeping the network moving and resilient.
* Provide strong leadership across multi‑disciplinary teams; manage parking and streetworks services.
* Secure external funding and deliver high‑profile projects on time and within budget.
* Work closely with regional and national partners, champion innovation, and ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and service delivery.
Qualifications
* Degree in civil engineering, transport planning, or a related discipline. Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional status.
* Extensive management experience including project management, people management, budget management, performance management and best value.
* Experience at a senior managerial level in a complex organisation comparable to local government.
* Effective skills to manage a varied team with differing skills and abilities.
* Extensive knowledge of issues affecting the service area.
* Excellent understanding of local government processes and functions.
* Experience overseeing large‑scale change programmes with an outcome‑focused approach.
* Demonstrated experience in project planning that aligns with the organisational framework and corporate plan to enable transformational change.
* Understanding of how transformational change underpins the Medium‑Term Financial Plan.
* Experience delivering high‑quality customer services.
* Understanding of local government decision‑making and governance and experience working with elected members.
* Leadership evidence in a public sector environment and with change management/transformation skills.
* Strong, positive service‑delivery champion focused on continuous improvement.
* Play a key leadership and management role in developing a strong commercial function for the organisation.
About the Position
Sandwell Council's Place Division is seeking an experienced Head of Service – Highways to join its team on a full‑time, permanent basis from its Oldbury office.
At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you'll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.
Equal Opportunities
We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, is treated fairly, and has the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role. If you wish to apply as a Care Leaver, Armed Forces Veteran or a Disability Confident candidate, please state this when submitting your CV. If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, please contact Imran_butt@sandwell.gov.uk.
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