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- Tasks: Lead technical teams to ensure safe highways and infrastructure across Central Bedfordshire.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council with ambitious growth plans and community focus.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career growth, influence, and shaping vital community services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities while leading innovative infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in highways management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Engage with elected members and communities to drive performance and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
As part of the council’s leadership team, you will guide your specialist technical teams to ensure Central Bedfordshire’s highways, roads, and pavements are safe across our 1,400 kilometre-wide Unitary. To be successful, you will be highly credible in the field of highways and infrastructure and must have substantial experience of leading and managing a highways and technical function within a large public or private sector organisation.
There is further growth and development on the horizon within Central Bedfordshire. We have plans for an additional 20,000 homes, which will inevitably result in an increased demand on our road network, and we are rolling out an extensive maintenance programme. This role is about leadership as much as expertise. You will set direction for a large, technically skilled service and work closely with contractors and partners to drive performance and value.
You will advise elected members, manage risk, and operate confidently in public and committee settings. You will also play a key role in aligning highways delivery with wider ambitions around safety, active travel and growth without losing sight of the basics that matter most to communities.
The council’s Place and Communities directorate is responsible for many of the universal services and powers that a local authority can deploy to help create the conditions for successful and thriving communities, from infrastructure and development, through to planning and the environment. The teams within the directorate, along with our partners, deliver the services our residents need in a commercially aware and sustainable way.
Central Bedfordshire’s geography brings real complexity. Rural roads and market towns sit alongside major growth sites and strategic routes. Asset management decisions, maintenance priorities, and investment choices all carry political weight. You will need to balance long-term resilience with short-term pressures, and to do so openly, credibly, and with a clear narrative that members and residents can understand.
Importantly, you will have an ability to work closely with elected members, residents, and our wider communities to encourage new ideas, innovation, and fresh perspectives. You must bring an understanding of the national policy context, regulatory environment, and demonstrate an ability to manage resources effectively.
Whilst you will be a technical expert in the field of highways, you must also be a great leader of people, with an ability to grow and nurture your teams to ensure delivery of the highest standard. This is not a background role. It is a visible, demanding leadership position in a council that expects exceptional delivery. For the right person, it offers scale, influence, and the chance to shape a service that underpins everyday life across Central Bedfordshire.
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. To find out more, visit www.joincbcleaders.com.
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role. Applications should include:
- Full contact details
- Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees
- Details of your notice period
- 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.
Service Director - Highways employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Contact Detail:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director - Highways
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the highways and infrastructure sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing teams and driving performance. Share specific examples of how you've led projects or initiatives that align with the council's goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the local context. Research Central Bedfordshire’s current infrastructure projects and challenges. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their vision and address community needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role. Make sure your CV and supporting statement are tailored to highlight your relevant experience and achievements.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director - Highways
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Service Director - Highways. Highlight your experience in leading highways and technical functions, and don’t forget to showcase your achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to detail your experience and how it meets the key criteria for the role. Be specific and use examples to demonstrate your leadership skills and technical expertise.
Keep It Concise: Remember, you have a maximum of three sides of A4 for both your CV and supporting statement. Be concise and focus on the most relevant information that showcases your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Make sure to upload your documents as specified and double-check everything before hitting submit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire Council
✨Know Your Stuff
As a Service Director for Highways, you need to be well-versed in the technical aspects of highways and infrastructure. Brush up on current policies, regulations, and best practices in the field. Be ready to discuss how your expertise can directly impact Central Bedfordshire's road network and community safety.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leadership, so prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing teams and driving performance. Think about times when you've successfully led a project or initiative, especially in a public or private sector context. Be ready to explain how you nurture talent and encourage innovation within your teams.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with Central Bedfordshire's growth plans and the challenges they present. Be prepared to discuss how you would align highways delivery with broader community ambitions, such as active travel and sustainable development. Showing that you understand the local context will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You’ll need to work closely with elected members and the community, so think about how you can effectively communicate your vision. Prepare to discuss strategies for engaging with residents and stakeholders, and how you would handle any potential pushback or concerns. This will show that you’re not just a technical expert, but also a great communicator.
