Director of Highways & Transport

Interim Director of Highways & Transport Contract: 6–12 months (with potential for ongoing extension) Rate: Please submit CV with your proposed day rate Working Arrangement: To be discussed at interview stage Start: ASAP The Opportunity A large and complex local authority in England is seeking an experienced Interim Director of Highways & Transport to provide strategic leadership during a period of significant organisational change. This role will ensure the smooth running of all Business-as-Usual (BAU) Highways & Transport operations while also leading major change programmes and preparing the service for future structural transitions within the region. The successful candidate will work at the highest political and operational levels, guiding a high-performing service through a crucial period of transformation, major procurement activity, capital delivery, and multi-agency collaboration. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Change Management * Lead all BAU aspects of the Highways & Transport service during a period of directorate-level secondment. * Oversee strategic planning and preparation for the disaggregation of Transport Authority and Highways Authority functions to newly formed bodies, expected to be established by 2028. * Work closely with elected members across all parties in the run-up to the all-out local elections in 2026. Contract & Commercial Oversight * Ensure tight contractual compliance with the incumbent Highways maintenance provider within a mature, high-performing partnership model. * Oversee planning work aligned to the major replacement Highways maintenance contract—the largest of its type nationally. Transport Operations & Passenger Services * Provide leadership to the Integrated Passenger Transport Unit. * Collaborate with Education colleagues to ensure safe, compliant, and cost‑effective delivery of Home-to-School Transport in a financially challenging landscape. Programme & Capital Delivery * Ensure the effective delivery of a £24m Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) programme. * Lead delivery of the Highways Capital Programme, ensuring alignment with member priorities, budgetary control, and timely completion. External Partnerships & National Interfaces * Work collaboratively with key government agencies including DfT, National Highways, MHCLG, Homes England and others. * Lead work relating to interventions required on a major trunk route following the government’s recent changes to planned improvement schemes. * Oversee the hand-back of a major PFI highways asset. Strategic Planning * Drive forward the Local Transport Plan and contribute to the broader strategic commitments set out in the council’s long-term strategy. Knowledge & Experience Required * Extensive senior-level experience in Highways & Transport, with evidence of continued professional development. * Deep understanding of designing and delivering value-for-money services in large-scale transport or highways environments. * Strong commercial acumen and programme leadership skills, particularly relating to large Highways and Transport contracts. * Ability to operate at the highest levels with stakeholders, supply chain partners and external bodies. * Experience in shaping commercial structures, driving performance, and managing dispute resolution within complex contracts