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- Tasks: Lead innovative highway projects and shape transport strategies for the North East.
- Company: North East Combined Authority, committed to regional growth and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Drive change in transport and create a safer, better-connected region.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and strategic insight in transport planning.
- Other info: Inclusive employer welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Lead the Future of Highways in the North East! We are seeking an exceptional leader to fill the Head of Highways position at the North East Combined Authority. This is a unique opportunity to take on a region-wide strategic leadership role, you will play a pivotal part in driving innovation and excellence, aligning our highways function with the North East CA’s strategic priorities and vision.
As Head of Highways, you will provide expert guidance and leadership, overseeing complex programmes, co‑ordinating activities and managing resources to deliver value for money. Working closely with senior leaders, local authorities, and national partners, you will shape how the North East plans, funds, and delivers its highways priorities, ensuring the region’s highways network is safe, resilient and meets the needs of our communities, businesses and economy.
This role demands a forward‑thinking professional with strong strategic insight and the ability to forge effective partnerships. You will build and lead a high‑performing team, champion continuous improvement, and drive collaborative workstreams to create a safer, more resilient, better‑connected network that supports inclusive growth, decarbonisation and regional prosperity.
If you are passionate about shaping the future of transport and making a lasting impact on the region, we want to hear from you. We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in senior roles, including women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
To Apply If you would like an informal discussion, or further information about this role please contact: Jonathan Bailes, Assistant Director of Transport Programmes and Investment Planning email: Jonathan.bailes@northeast-ca.gov.uk
Closing date for applications: 20th February 2026 at 23:59. For further information about the North East Combined Authority please see the authority’s website www.northeast-ca.gov.uk. This recruitment is being administered by Durham County Council on behalf of the North East Combined Authority.
Head of Highways in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: North East Ambition
Contact Detail:
North East Ambition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Highways in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the highways sector, especially those connected to the North East Combined Authority. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for innovation! When you get the chance to speak with hiring managers or during interviews, share your ideas on how to improve the highways network. This will demonstrate your strategic insight and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle complex programmes and resource management. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨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 you’re serious about joining the North East Combined Authority and making a difference in the region.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Highways in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Head of Highways role. We want to see how you can drive innovation and excellence in our highways function!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about strategic leadership, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've built high-performing teams and led complex programmes in your previous roles. We love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills shine through without any fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of transport in the North East!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know Your Strategic Vision
Before the interview, dive deep into the North East Combined Authority's strategic priorities and vision. Understand how your experience aligns with their goals for highways innovation and excellence. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles, especially in managing complex programmes and resources. Highlight instances where you've successfully built high-performing teams or driven collaborative workstreams, as this is crucial for the Head of Highways position.
✨Emphasise Partnership Building
Be ready to discuss your experience in forging effective partnerships with local authorities and national partners. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to collaborate and influence stakeholders, which is key to shaping the region's highways priorities.
✨Passion for Inclusive Growth
Express your commitment to inclusive growth and decarbonisation in transport. Prepare to discuss how you can champion these values within the highways function, showing that you not only understand the technical aspects but also the social impact of your work.
