At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Board to tackle digital and technology challenges in road management.
- Company: National Highways ensures safe and reliable roads for millions across the UK.
- Benefits: Contribute to impactful projects while shaping the future of transport in the UK.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about public service and making a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team focused on safety, customer satisfaction, and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in cyber security or data technology is essential for this role.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 € per year.
Job Description
About National Highways
Safe and reliable roads are essential for the economy and public wellbeing. National Highways manages, operates and improves the UK’s motorways and major A-roads (known as the strategic road network (SRN), helping its customers have safer, smoother and more reliable journeys. Beyond that, National Highways needs to demonstrate that it can meet the government’s commitment to net zero carbon, within its committed timescales. National Highways also needs to exploit the full potential of the digital revolution, both in delivery of its activities, and in its communications with road users and stakeholders.
National Highways manages over £100bn of assets, working with its many partners and suppliers to support over 4 million journeys that are undertaken every day on the SRN. The Government’s Road Investment Strategy 2 (RIS2), which covers the second road period from 2020–25, represented the biggest investment in the UK’s road network in a generation. National Highways received £24bn, which it has invested in road improvements and managing and maintaining the network, whilst achieving over £2bn of efficiency savings. Discussions are now progressing to agree RIS3, covering the third road period from 2026-31. This follows an interim year covering 2025-26.
National Highways’ three main overarching imperatives are:
- Safety - everyone who uses and works on National Highways roads should get home safe and well. Reducing the number of fatalities and injuries can only be achieved by planning and designing roads that meet the highest levels of safety.
- Customers - with more than four million daily journeys, National Highways’ roads play a vital part in connecting the country. National Highways knows the value of customer feedback and works closely with Transport Focus, together with using other customer insight platforms to seek views on a range of fundamental matters including safety, journey time, surface quality, roadworks management, and roadside information.
- Delivery – it is the job of National Highways to deliver safe and reliable roads. Since 2015 it has invested billions in new routes and extra capacity, such as the A14 in East Anglia.
Role specification
National Highways is seeking a Non-Executive Director (NED) to join its Board, with a particular background in the digital and technology challenges that the business faces. The successful candidate, through their membership of the Board, will provide challenge and support to a wide variety of management and operational issues and contribute to the effective strategic and operational leadership of National Highways.
The general responsibilities of a Board member are to:
- Provide sound advice to the Chair and Chief Executive
- Prepare for, and make, an effective contribution to the National Highways Board, Board subcommittee meetings and Executive/NED meetings
- Build strong stakeholder relationships, including with Ministers and Senior Government officials and broader external stakeholders to help manage the organisation’s reputation
- Critically analyse a wide range of information and discharge the duties and responsibilities of a NED through objective evidence-based recommendations
- Work closely with the Executive team and other key stakeholders, providing support, constructive challenge and assurance as appropriate to ensure that the Executive team delivers the approved strategy, and support them in discharging their leadership responsibilities to National Highways
- Ensure that National Highways is run effectively, in line with best practice for non-departmental public bodies and Managing Public Money requirements
- Listen and accept challenge and constructively challenge others in discussions with clarity and respect
Person specification
The successful candidate will possess a good appreciation of the role of a Non-Executive Director and understand and be committed to the pivotal role that the Board plays in the effective and efficient delivery of National Highways’ services and network, which both millions of individual customers and many thousands of businesses rely on. They will clearly demonstrate independence of judgement and an ability to communicate with impact to provide constructive support and challenge, together with the following essential specialist knowledge and experience.
National Highways are looking for exceptional candidates with a cyber security and/or data technology background to support the pivotal role that the Board plays within National Highways. We are looking for candidates that can demonstrate the following essential criteria:
- A clear understanding of the work, public priorities and challenges connected with effective and efficient delivery of National Highways’ services and network, which both millions of individual customers and many thousands of businesses rely on
- Ability to apply independent judgement, constructively challenge and support to drive value for money for the taxpayer – drawing on experience to deliver sound, impartial advice on complex issues
- Attention to detail, confidence in challenging opinions and making difficult decisions is essential Excellent communication and stakeholder skills – ability to listen and communicate with clarity and respect.
- Building strong stakeholder relationships, including with Ministers, senior government, the executive board, and other external stakeholders
- Effective decision-making skills with the ability to critically analyse a wide range of information to make clear and objective evidence-based recommendations to support the delivery of National Highways’ objectives
In addition to the essential criteria listed above, successful candidates should have skills in at least one of the following areas:
- An extensive understanding of cyber and network security issues connected to large-scale mission critical (24/7) monitoring and control systems
- Demonstrated success in leading innovative digital and data transformation projects, including knowledge of introducing rapid innovation to transform and consolidate legacy systems
- Knowledge of leveraging data analytics to drive operational efficiency and improve customer experience
Non-Executive Director, National Highways employer: NUROLE
National Highways is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the safety and efficiency of the UK's road network while championing sustainability and digital innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to engage with key stakeholders, this role as a Non-Executive Director allows you to make a meaningful impact on millions of journeys every day. Join us in shaping the future of transport in a dynamic environment that values your expertise and insights.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Non-Executive Director, National Highways
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current digital and technology challenges faced by National Highways. Understanding their strategic goals, especially around cyber security and data technology, will help you engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the transport and infrastructure sectors. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with key stakeholders, including those from government and public bodies, which can provide insights and potentially valuable contacts.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading digital transformation projects. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented innovative solutions that improved operational efficiency or customer experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your ability to critically analyse information and make evidence-based recommendations. Practise articulating your thought process on complex issues, as this will showcase your independent judgement and decision-making skills during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Non-Executive Director, National Highways
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you have a clear understanding of the Non-Executive Director role at National Highways. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in digital and technology.
Tailor Your CV:Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in cyber security, data technology, and any previous board-level roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to provide sound advice and support strategic leadership.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for public service and your commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. Clearly articulate how your skills align with the essential criteria outlined in the job description.
Showcase Stakeholder Engagement Skills:Emphasise your experience in building strong relationships with stakeholders, including government officials and external partners. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated in past roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at NUROLE
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Non-Executive Director does at National Highways. Familiarise yourself with their strategic goals, especially around digital transformation and safety. This will help you articulate how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Given the importance of building strong relationships with various stakeholders, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with senior officials or external partners. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and manage reputations.
✨Demonstrate Independent Judgement
Be ready to discuss situations where you've had to make tough decisions or provide impartial advice. Emphasise your critical thinking skills and how you can constructively challenge opinions while maintaining respect and clarity in discussions.
✨Highlight Your Technical Expertise
Since National Highways is looking for candidates with a background in cyber security or data technology, prepare to discuss your relevant experience in these areas. Be specific about projects you've led or contributed to that involved digital transformation or data analytics.
