At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of Highways and Transport in Essex during a major local government reform.
- Company: Essex County Council, shaping the future of public services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £131,351 and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape essential services and advance your career in local government.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local government and influence the future of transport services.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in highways and transport with strong programme management skills.
The predicted salary is between 131351 - 131351 £ per year.
Shape the future of Highways and Transport in Essex. Essex is on the Government’s Priority Programme for Local Government Reform, one of the most ambitious and complex reform programmes in the UK. At the heart of this radical transformation is a bold vision: to reshape local government and public service delivery across Greater Essex including the creation of a Mayoral Combined County Authority. By 2028 there will be the reorganisation of the current two-tier system of fifteen Councils into five new unitary councils. This is a defining leadership opportunity to shape the future of Highways and Transport in Essex at a moment of profound change.
Highways and Transport is a strategic enabler for Essex’s economy and communities, connecting people to jobs, education and essential services across a large, diverse and predominantly rural county. With one of the largest highway networks in England and responsibility for the biggest highways maintenance contract in the country, this is a nationally significant service with daily impact on residents’ lives.
The context for this appointment is clear. Essex is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation, with new unitary authorities expected to come into being from April 2028. This role sits at the heart of that transition. The incoming Director will be responsible not only for leading a high‑profile service today, but also for designing, stabilising and safely disaggregating highways and transport functions so that successor authorities inherit services that are operationally robust, legally compliant and financially sound from day one.
Over the past two years the Council has strengthened its grip on leadership, performance and programme management across the service. Relationships with corporate functions are strong, and there is a clear focus on delivery, governance and commercial discipline. This creates a robust platform, but the next phase requires an accomplished leader who can operate confidently in a fluid, politically complex environment.
You will lead a £400m+ portfolio covering highways maintenance, network development, passenger transport, bus services, sustainable transport and emerging mobility solutions. You will act as the Council’s senior professional advisor on highways and transport, oversee major procurement and mobilisation activity, and sponsor complex programmes through to delivery.
This role is about people as much as infrastructure – you will need to engage and support a skilled workforce through uncertainty and work constructively with Members, partners and contractors. Crucially, you must recognise that this council, and its partners, remain accountable for delivering safe and effective services right up to the moment of transition.
We are seeking a leader who understands what they are stepping into: someone with deep highways and transport credibility, strong programme and commercial instincts, and the personal authority to lead through reorganisation at pace. You will be a relationship‑builder, a clear decision‑maker, and an experienced system leader, comfortable holding the line while shaping what comes next.
For the right individual, this is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most important services in local government, influence the future shape of public services in Essex, and position yourself for senior executive leadership in the next generation of local government.
For a confidential discussion about your suitability, or for more information, please contact our retained partners at Frazer Thouard (frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com) and Delicia Coutinho (delicia.coutinho@gatenbysanderson.com).
Closing date: 11:55pm, Sunday 31st May 2026
Company: Essex County Council
Salary: Up to £131,351
Location: Essex
Director of Highways and Transport Transformation in Essex employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative change in Highways and Transport across one of the largest and most diverse counties in England. With a strong focus on employee development, collaborative work culture, and a commitment to delivering impactful public services, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of local governance while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive environment that values innovation and community engagement.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Highways and Transport Transformation in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the highways and transport sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Essex County Council and understand their vision for the future of highways and transport. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around the upcoming local government reorganisation. Show them you’re the leader they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows you’re genuinely interested in the role. We love a bit of enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’ve got loads of resources to help you ace the process. Let’s make sure you land that Director role and shape the future of transport in Essex!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Highways and Transport Transformation in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role inside out. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. We want to see how your unique skills and experiences fit the Director of Highways and Transport Transformation role. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership and strategic thinking.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity over fluff. Make sure your points are easy to read and get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Remember, we’re busy too!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Understand the Context
Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp the complexities of the Local Government Reform in Essex. Familiarise yourself with the transition from a two-tier system to five unitary councils and how this impacts highways and transport services. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and readiness to lead through change.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams through complex transformations. Discuss how you've engaged and supported staff during periods of uncertainty, as well as how you've built relationships with stakeholders. This role is about people as much as infrastructure, so be ready to illustrate your people management skills.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Given the £400m+ portfolio you'll be overseeing, it's crucial to showcase your commercial instincts. Be prepared to discuss your experience with major procurement processes and how you've successfully managed budgets in previous roles. Highlight any innovative solutions you've implemented in transport or highways that have led to cost savings or improved service delivery.
✨Engage with Current Issues
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in highways and transport, especially those affecting rural areas. Bring insights into sustainable transport solutions and emerging mobility trends to the table. This will not only show your expertise but also your commitment to shaping the future of transport in Essex.
