Head of Highway Operations

Our Client has a requirement for a Head of Highway Operations who will be required to work on a 6-month contract basis in Matlock.

Provide vision, strategic direction, and visible leadership for the Highway Operations Service. Ensure delivery against agreed service plan outcomes by providing a safe, innovative, efficient, and effective service.

Overall accountability for the safety and wellbeing of employees, contractors, and those interfacing with our service. Through a blend of direct employees (c200), local, and national frameworks, this role will promote a mixed economy delivery model, ensuring the council has a sustainable succession plan while evidencing excellent value for money outcomes.

4 days a week

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Highway Operations Service in delivering all construction, maintenance, and related tasks on the highway network. Act as a figurehead for internal delivery teams (currently known as Highway Construction Services - HCS).
• Deputise for the Assistant Director Highways Delivery where necessary.
• Develop, promote, and maintain the reputation of the service as a trusted operations provider through an ethos of excellence and right-first-time delivery. Value stakeholder feedback and use it to drive service improvements.
• Ensure projects, tasks, and activities are delivered following best practices, standards, and specifications, using resources effectively.
• Use the corporate risk management framework and industry best practices to proactively manage risks associated with service delivery.
• Deliver adverse weather (including winter maintenance) and emergency works services, both during and outside normal hours.
• Hold overall accountability for the Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental performance of the service, ensuring business plan outcomes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Prioritize safety standards that are industry-leading.
• Develop and implement a sustainable business model to maximize value for money, maintain a skilled internal workforce, and ensure long-term service sustainability.
• Create and manage a resourcing strategy to handle workload fluctuations, including succession planning and talent management to build resilience and future skills.
• Provide technical leadership across various highway areas to support management and delivery teams in achieving objectives.
• Strategically manage the construction supply chain, ensuring frameworks and contracts meet current and future needs, including developing a long-term partnering strategy.
• Establish and operate a mature commercial function to control costs, estimate, and ensure contractual compliance, aligning with corporate governance.
• Support delivery tasks for other services within the Place directorate, the wider council, and local authority partners, such as public transport infrastructure and countryside assets.
• Seek opportunities for collaboration and sharing best practices with council services and external partners to enhance service value.
• Implement systems for effective feedback on time, cost, and quality metrics, fostering a proactive risk and issue management culture.
• Carry out process audits and value-for-money assessments, ensuring timely reporting and improvement actions.
• Maintain a procurement pipeline with corporate procurement, ensuring compliance for planned items.
• Engage staff in preparing an annual service delivery and Value for Money improvement plan aligned with strategic goals.
• Work with unions to maintain positive industrial relations.
• Prepare and recommend budget proposals in collaboration with other heads of service for the annual budget submission.

Key Relationships:

• Line managed by the Assistant Director - Highways Delivery
• Leadership of the Highway Operations Service and line management for operational roles.
• Regular liaison with Assistant Directors, the Director of Highways, and other leadership teams.
• Develop relationships with managers across the highways service and external agencies such as government departments, councils, and emergency services.
• Build relationships with trade unions and elected officials, including Cabinet members.

General Responsibilities:

• Promote equality and diversity, fostering a positive environment.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety policies and develop practices to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.
• Manage risks related to service delivery using risk and asset management practices.
• Comply with information security policies.
• Support the council's climate change initiatives by reducing resource use, minimizing waste, and improving service efficiency.

Company Information

At First Recruitment Group, we understand the importance of securing the right people. Our Recruitment Consultants take time to understand requirements and offer sound advice. We actively recruit at all levels, making this an excellent opportunity for those seeking new employment.

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and strive to increase workforce diversity, working closely with our clients to ensure inclusivity.

Sector: Commercial, Admin & Office Support

Salary: Highly competitive plus benefits

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