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- Tasks: Lead innovative highways projects and shape transport strategies for the North East.
- Company: North East Combined Authority, committed to inclusive growth and regional prosperity.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a lasting impact and lead a high-performing team.
- Why this job: Drive change in transport and create a safer, better-connected region.
- Qualifications: Strong strategic insight and experience in leading large-scale transportation initiatives.
- 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, 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, coordinating 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.
- 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.
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.
Head of Highways in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the highways sector, attend industry events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the North East Combined Authority and its strategic priorities. Show us that you understand their vision and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your leadership skills and innovative ideas.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Reach out directly to the hiring managers or team leaders at the North East Combined Authority. A proactive approach can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure to showcase your strategic insight and partnership-building skills in your application to resonate with what they’re looking for.
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 application 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 leading a high-performing team, so don’t forget to share examples of your leadership style and how you've successfully managed complex programmes in the past. We love hearing about your collaborative workstreams!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and vision for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through the North East Jobs 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 latest trends and challenges in highways management. Brush up on strategic priorities relevant to the North East, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific instances where you’ve driven innovation or improved processes, as this role is all about leading a high-performing team.
✨Build Connections
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss how you’ve forged effective partnerships in previous roles. Highlight your ability to collaborate with local authorities and national partners to achieve common goals.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
The North East Combined Authority values inclusivity, so be ready to talk about how you’ve championed diverse teams and inclusive practices in your previous positions. Share your thoughts on how to create a safer and more resilient network that benefits everyone.
