Job Description
Role Overview
As the Head of Highways Maintenance and Management, you will provide strategic leadership, technical expertise, and operational oversight for all highways maintenance services across Cambridgeshire. You will be responsible for leading the delivery of high-quality services, managing budgets, and ensuring that policies and procedures are adhered to in line with legislation and best practice. This senior managerial position is crucial in supporting the county’s transport infrastructure, improving connectivity, and delivering sustainable services.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the delivery of all highways maintenance services, including carriageways, footways, cycleways, drainage, and structures.
- Provide strategic leadership and operational management, ensuring resources are deployed effectively to achieve service delivery objectives.
- Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including contractors, to ensure that services are delivered on time, within budget, and to high standards.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, legislation, and regulations, and oversee the development of service plans that support the county’s strategic goals.
- Report on performance and operational progress to the Service Director and senior leadership, demonstrating accountability and transparency.
- Develop and implement change management initiatives to continuously improve service delivery and outcomes for communities.
- Manage budgets effectively, ensuring value for money and compliance with financial regulations.
- Act as the professional lead and subject matter expert within the area of highways maintenance, overseeing complex projects and ensuring successful outcomes.
- Lead and mentor a high-performing team, promoting professional growth and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Represent Cambridgeshire County Council at key meetings, including partnership, stakeholder, and board meetings.
Person Specification
- Qualifications: Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience in civil engineering, project management, or a related field.
- Experience: Significant leadership experience in highways maintenance and management, with a proven track record in managing large-scale infrastructure projects within a public sector environment.
- Skills:
- Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Extensive knowledge of highways maintenance, procurement regulations, and statutory processes.
- Proven experience in managing budgets, resources, and performance in a complex organisational environment.
- Ability to lead and implement change and innovation, driving continuous improvement across teams and services.
- Desirable: Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., ICE, CIHT, CMI, APM) and experience in leading change within a large organisation.
Why Apply?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking council in a senior leadership role. The Head of Highways Maintenance and Management will play a key role in shaping the future of Cambridgeshire’s highways infrastructure, improving transport services, and delivering sustainable outcomes for local communities. If you have a passion for infrastructure management and are ready to lead a high-performing team, we encourage you to apply.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and motivations for applying to ViaR Recruitment. If you are interested in a higher rate than advertised, please reach out to discuss your requirements.