Head of Highways and Transportation

Our client is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Highways & Transportation to lead a broad portfolio of highways, transportation, traffic management and asset management services. This is a senior leadership opportunity responsible for the maintenance and management of the highway network and its related assets and infrastructure, while promoting transport-related safety initiatives and healthy lifestyles.

• Lead and manage the functions needed for the maintenance and management of the highway network and its related assets and infrastructure.
• Maintain an overview of service performance in compliance with all relevant legislation and codes of practice, initiating action as necessary.
• Manage the delivery of efficient and effective highways and traffic management services, keeping the service up to date and leading on all service developments.
• Exercise delegated powers and act as the principal advisor on highways and traffic management functions and duties, including reviewing, developing and implementing policies and strategies across the service.
• Ensure services remain relevant and deliver value for money through the delivery of annual service plans, service reviews and action plans.
• Establish and maintain excellent internal and external relationships with stakeholders and represent the organisation on national and regional professional forums.
• Be responsible for the delivery of service budgets, including annual budgeted surplus, income and savings targets.

Responsibility for:

• Highways Asset Management, including Highway Maintenance, Streetlighting, Structures and Local Flood Risk Management.
• Client Commissioning.
• Traffic Management, including Road Safety, Cycling, Streetscene Design and capital improvements delivery.
• Transportation Planning, including:
  • Development Control
  • Highway Register
  • Transport and Parking Policy
  • Standards and Guidance
  • Travel Demand Management
  • Road Safety Education
  • Research and Strategy Development

• Deputise for the Divisional Director and contribute to the leadership and strategic management of the wider division.
• Direct, manage and coordinate multidisciplinary teams across highways and transportation services.
• Ensure management information systems provide accurate and effective performance data.
• Drive service improvements and identify opportunities for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure service continuity plans are maintained and reviewed.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, elected members, residents, businesses and partner organisations.
• Act as the organisation's expert advisor on highways, traffic management and parking policy matters.

• Prepare budget estimates and manage allocated budgets.
• Develop and monitor programmes of work.
• Authorise expenditure and ensure financial targets are achieved.
• Ensure effective financial control in line with organisational regulations and procedures.

• Manage statutory highway, traffic management and parking functions, exercising delegated authority where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, professional standards and best practice.
• Lead organisational change and service improvement initiatives.
• Develop systems for communication, monitoring, performance management and service reviews.
• Prepare reports, briefings and recommendations for senior leadership and elected members.
• Work collaboratively with residents, businesses, statutory bodies, government agencies and voluntary sector organisations to improve services and develop innovative solutions.

• Detailed and practical understanding of policy, legislation and practice relating to highways and traffic management.
• Up-to-date knowledge of effective management techniques, including management of large budgets.
• Knowledge of relevant Government policies relating to operational services.
• Strong understanding of local government structures and partner organisations involved in highways and traffic management services.

• Proven record of developing and delivering strategic plans that are outcome focused.
• Ability to identify commercial opportunities and deliver efficiencies across services.
• Proven track record of effectively managing large projects.
• Experience of managing responsive services which support and meet the needs of individuals, communities and elected members.
• Evidence of successful partnership working to deliver outcomes.
• Significant experience of managing a large workforce to deliver outcomes.
• Experience of working with the public and elected members.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong project and financial management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and manage changing priorities.

• Strong team-working capabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong negotiating and influencing skills.
• Political sensitivity.
• Facilitation and consultation skills.

• Ability to self-motivate and identify, prioritise and resolve problems.
• Using data to inform policy and practice.
• Using evaluation and performance management to improve outcomes.

• Senior leadership role within a large and diverse highways and transportation function.
• Opportunity to lead strategic service development and operational delivery across a broad portfolio.
• Occasional evening and weekend working may be required to meet business needs.

If you have significant experience in highways and transportation leadership and are looking for an opportunity to shape strategy, drive service improvement and lead high-performing teams, we would be delighted to hear from you.