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- Tasks: Lead innovative highways projects and shape transport strategies for the North East.
- Company: Join the North East Combined Authority, a forward-thinking and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming the region's transport network for future generations.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading large-scale transportation initiatives and strategic partnerships.
- Other info: We encourage diverse applicants and welcome those from underrepresented backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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, playing 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.
Responsibilities
- Provide expert guidance and leadership for highways programmes, overseeing complex programmes, coordinating activities and managing resources to deliver value for money.
- Shape how the North East plans, funds, and delivers highways priorities, ensuring the region’s highways network is safe and resilient.
- Work with senior leaders, local authorities, and national partners to align highways initiatives with strategic priorities and vision.
- Build and lead a high-performing team, champion continuous improvement, and drive collaborative workstreams to support inclusive growth, decarbonisation and regional prosperity.
Qualifications / What we’re looking for
- Forward-thinking professional with strong strategic insight and the ability to forge effective partnerships.
- Experience in leading, shaping and delivering large-scale transportation/highways priorities and programmes.
How 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 by email: Jonathan.bailes@northeast-ca.gov.uk. Applications are being managed through North East Jobs, please click on the link provided in this job posting.
Closing date
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.
Head of Highways employer: North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA)
Contact Detail:
North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Highways
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the highways and transport 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! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for shaping the future of transport in the North East. Let them know how your vision aligns with their strategic priorities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching current highways initiatives in the region. Being knowledgeable about ongoing projects will help you demonstrate your strategic insight and readiness to lead complex programmes effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Highways
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Highways role. Highlight your experience in leading transportation initiatives and how it aligns with our vision for the North East.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've built high-performing teams and driven collaborative projects. This is your chance to demonstrate your strategic insight and ability to forge effective partnerships.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for shaping the future of transport in the region.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through the link provided in the job posting. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current highways initiatives and strategic priorities of the North East Combined Authority. Brush up on recent projects, funding strategies, and any innovative practices in transportation that could be relevant to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading large-scale transportation programmes. Think about specific challenges you've faced, how you overcame them, and the impact your leadership had on your team and the project outcomes.
✨Build Connections
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully forged partnerships in the past. Highlight your collaborative approach and any successful joint initiatives you’ve led or been a part of.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Innovation
The job description mentions a commitment to inclusivity and innovation. Be prepared to share your thoughts on how you can champion these values within the highways function. Discuss any previous experiences where you’ve promoted diverse perspectives or implemented innovative solutions.
