At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful projects to enhance Wales' strategic road network and improve air quality.
- Company: Welsh Government, committed to sustainable transport and community-focused initiatives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and the Welsh economy through innovative transport solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a passion for sustainable infrastructure.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; join a diverse team dedicated to positive change.
The predicted salary is between 47675 - 56445 £ per year.
Enhance air quality.
Closing date: 13/02/2026, 16:00
Advertising basis: Permanent
Actual starting salary: A starting salary between £47,675 and £56,445 will be offered to the successful candidate based on their skills, knowledge, experience and performance at interview. This range is not negotiable. The pay scale of this role has a salary band between £47,675 and £56,445 in 4 annual increments. Pay progression is based on annual incremental advance to the next point on the scale (awarded subject to satisfactory performance) until the employee reaches the target rate.
Salary range or pay band: SEO £47,675 to £56,445
Allowances: No
Work pattern: Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Group: Economy, Energy and Transport
Directorate: Transport and Digital Connectivity
Branch: Highways
Location(s): Pan Wales
Purpose of post: The Strategic Road Network (SRN) is one of Wales’ most vital infrastructure assets, valued at approximately £21 billion. Although it makes up just 5% of the total road length, it carries around one-third of all road traffic, playing a key role in connecting communities, enabling economic growth, and ensuring access to essential services. This post is part of a wider recruitment campaign to strengthen the Welsh Government’s Strategic Road Network Division. Over the coming months, we’ll be building a diverse and skilled team to enhance our capability as a highway authority—ensuring we continue to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable transport infrastructure across Wales. This is an exciting opportunity to join a delivery-focused, inclusive team and help shape the future of the SRN—making a real difference to people’s lives, connectivity, and the Welsh economy.
What You’ll Be Doing: As part of the Network Management function, you’ll help plan, operate, maintain, and improve the SRN on behalf of Welsh Ministers. This includes delivering targeted programmes that:
- Improve network resilience
- Reduce congestion
- Enhance air quality
- Address safety and accessibility challenges
All work is aligned with Welsh Government policy, including Llwybr Newydd: The Wales Transport Strategy 2021, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, and our environmental improvement commitments.
Key Focus: In this role, you’ll lead the development and delivery of targeted improvement programmes to address congestion hotspots and upgrade key sections of the SRN. You’ll be responsible for:
- Appraising and prioritising schemes using robust evidence to support investment decisions
- Delivering measurable benefits for communities, the economy, the environment, and public health
- Collaborating across asset classes and with delivery partners to ensure joined-up planning and efficient delivery
- Managing strategic interfaces—including highway boundaries, ownership, and relationships with local authorities and private landowners—to protect the operational integrity of the SRN
Why Join Us? We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. You’ll be joining a team that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, and where your work will have a tangible impact on Wales’ transport future.
Key tasks:
- Drive meaningful change by leading the development and delivery of strategic upgrade and pinch point improvement programmes, applying the principles of the Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG).
- Shape delivery excellence by preparing and managing briefs for trunk road agents and consultants, ensuring high standards, value for money, and timely outcomes.
- Support informed decision-making through effective programme performance management, reporting, and preparation of ministerial briefings, aligned with Welsh Government governance and investment frameworks.
- Champion environmental responsibility by overseeing Strategic Road Network (SRN) air quality monitoring and interventions, and managing complex issues around highway boundaries, ownership, and stakeholder interfaces.
- Maximise impact by appraising and prioritising schemes using robust evidence, ensuring resources are targeted where they deliver the greatest public benefit.
- Foster collaboration across asset classes—such as road safety, pavements, drainage, and intelligent transport systems (ITS)—and with delivery partners to enable integrated planning and delivery.
- Lead procurement processes for surveys, studies, and technical support, working closely with Transport for Wales to ensure alignment and avoid duplication.
- Represent Welsh Government at stakeholder engagement sessions, technical forums, and WelTAG workshops, building trust and consensus.
- Promote innovation by advocating for sustainable construction methods, digital tools, and integrated project delivery approaches that support long-term resilience and efficiency.
Development opportunities: Joining the Strategic Road Network Division means being part of a team that’s at the heart of delivering high-impact infrastructure across Wales. We offer:
- Exposure to nationally significant programmes that tackle congestion, improve connectivity, and shape the future of transport in Wales.
- Opportunities to work directly with Ministers, senior Welsh Government officials, and strategic partners across the UK—giving you insight into policy-making and delivery at the highest level.
- Professional growth and development, including advanced skills in programme management, investment appraisal, and stakeholder engagement.
- Opportunity to gain experience in integrated transport policy delivery and sustainable infrastructure planning.
- A supportive and inclusive team environment, where diversity is valued and everyone is encouraged to thrive. You’ll have access to mentoring, peer learning, and tailored development opportunities to help you grow in your role and beyond.
Other vacancy related information: A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status will remain on the reserve list for 12 months. This is a Pan-Wales role and can be based at any Welsh Government office. The successful candidate will be expected to attend their nearest office regularly (approximately 2 days a week) and undertake site visits (average of 1 a month) as a part of their role.
In the event of two or more candidates having the same total score, the following merit order will be applied: Experience, Technical, Review sift score, Making Effective Decisions, Seeing the Big Picture.
Vetting level: Basic
Number of posts: 1
Contact point for further information regarding the post: Welsh language requirements 3 - Welsh language skills are not essential for this post, they are however desirable and will be considered if two or more candidates receive the same score at the application or interview stage.
Improvements Manager – Strategic Road Network in London employer: Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government
Contact Detail:
Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Improvements Manager – Strategic Road Network in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their values. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their goals, especially around enhancing air quality and improving transport infrastructure.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference in Wales’ transport future.
We think you need these skills to ace Improvements Manager – Strategic Road Network in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Improvements Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your previous work, focus on the measurable benefits you've delivered. We want to see how you've made a difference in past roles, especially in areas like network resilience and air quality improvements.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you're the right fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the Strategic Road Network and its importance to Wales. Familiarise yourself with key policies like Llwybr Newydd and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in how it fits into the bigger picture.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to lead improvement programmes and manage stakeholder relationships. Think about times you've successfully tackled congestion issues or enhanced air quality, as these are directly relevant to the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the team's current projects or future challenges facing the Strategic Road Network. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the team is the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your experience working across different teams and with various stakeholders. The role requires collaboration with local authorities and delivery partners, so demonstrating your ability to foster teamwork will be a big plus.