Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage Central Bedfordshire's highways network to ensure safety and resilience.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and impactful community work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a role that shapes the future of local infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in managing complex technical services in public or private sectors.
- Other info: Be part of exciting developments like Universal Studios and a New Town.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As part of the council’s leadership team, you will lead specialist technical services to ensure Central Bedfordshire’s 1,400km highways network is safe, resilient and fit for the future. You will be a credible highways professional, with substantial experience of managing complex technical services in a large public or private sector organisation, whether as a step up or at senior level.
Central Bedfordshire is entering a period of significant growth, with plans for 20,000 new homes, major maintenance investment, and nationally significant developments such as Universal Studios and the potential for a New Town. These pressures demand strong leadership as well as technical expertise.
You will set direction for a large, skilled service, working with contractors, partners and elected members to drive performance, value and risk management. Operating confidently in public and committee settings, you will align highways delivery with wider ambitions around safety, active travel and growth, while maintaining the core services communities rely on.
This is a visible, influential leadership role with real impact.
To arrange a confidential conversation, contact Dylan Craven or Liam Young at Tile Hill.
Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 8th of February 2026.
To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
Service Director - Highways in England employer: Connected Local Government
Contact Detail:
Connected Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director - Highways in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the highways sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Central Bedfordshire's current projects and challenges. Show us that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who understands the landscape and can contribute to the council’s ambitious growth plans.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! As a Service Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire. Think about examples from your past where you’ve driven performance and managed risk effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director - Highways in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your substantial experience in managing complex technical services. We want to see how your background aligns with the demands of leading a large highways network.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications and vision for the role.
Align with Our Goals: Demonstrate how your leadership style and technical expertise can support Central Bedfordshire's growth plans. We’re looking for someone who can align their approach with our ambitions around safety and active travel.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this impactful role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Local Government
✨Know Your Highways Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the specifics of Central Bedfordshire's highways network. Understand the current challenges and opportunities, especially with the upcoming developments like Universal Studios. This will show your genuine interest and expertise in the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles, particularly in managing complex technical services. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive performance and manage risks effectively, as this is crucial for the Service Director position.
✨Align with Community Values
Familiarise yourself with the council’s ambitions around safety and active travel. Be ready to articulate how your vision aligns with these goals and how you can contribute to maintaining core services while supporting growth.
✨Practice Public Speaking
Since this role involves operating in public and committee settings, practice your public speaking skills. Prepare to present your ideas clearly and confidently, as this will be key to influencing stakeholders and driving the service forward.
