Director of Highways

Warwickshire County Council are seeking an exceptional Director of Highways who can elevate transportation services to new heights. This is a pivotal role that needs a leader who can navigate the complex landscape of highways management, from network operations to strategic procurement and community responsiveness.

About the Role:
The Director of Highways will lead a comprehensive portfolio managing our current highways maintenance contract, while preparing for a crucial procurement process in May 2026. You will work closely with our in-house civil engineering team to manage projects from conception to completion and ensure the efficient delivery of services in partnership with our contractors. This role oversees network management, street lighting, traffic regulation orders, and an innovative member-delegated budget system. You will manage extensive operational responsibilities including network space management, traffic signals, historic bridges, and developer-funded infrastructure schemes. With an annual revenue budget and capital expenditure, the role requires strategic leadership that balances technical expertise with political understanding. Your leadership will be pivotal in driving innovation and efficiency in our operations, contributing to Warwickshire’s growth and sustainability.

What We're Looking For:
We require an accomplished highways engineering professional with deep local government infrastructure experience. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of highways contract management and procurement strategies, with a proven track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects. We seek a leader who understands the political nuances of highways management, recognising that highways services attract significant public attention and are a top community concern. Strong relationship-building skills are essential along with the ability to work effectively with a highly engaged leadership team and political leaders. You will need to demonstrate a collaborative approach, working across a lean senior team of 16 directors, and show an ability to develop solutions at pace while supporting people and maintaining a strong, behaviour-driven culture.

Warwickshire County Council offers a collaborative, diverse, and dynamic working environment where leadership is valued, and strategic impact is paramount. If you are a determined, innovative highways professional ready to make a significant difference, we want to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: 9am 31st January 2025

For more information, please visit www.warwickshire-ambition.co.uk For a confidential conversation, please contact Chantelle Wooldridge, Senior Consultant on 07557018320 or chantelle.wooldridge@tile-hill.co.uk

Recruitment Timeline

• Closing date for applications: Friday 31st January 2025 (9am)
• Longlist meeting (no candidate involvement): Wednesday 5th February 2025
• Psychometric assessments: Thursday 6th - Wednesday 12th February 2025
• Preliminary interviews (virtual): Monday 10th - Wednesday 12th February 2025
• Feedback from psychometric assessments: Monday 17th February 2025
• Shortlisting (no candidate involvement): Monday 17th February 2025
• Pre-interview slots with Mark Ryder (Executive Director, Communities) for shortlisted candidates: w/c 24th February 2025
• Officer and Stakeholder panel interviews (in person): Tuesday 4th March 2025
• Member panel interviews (in person): Wednesday 5th March 2025

To apply:

To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (four sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (four sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact anna.shepherd@tile-hill.co.uk

Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk.