Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives in highways and transport, overseeing major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Upper-tier local authority focused on impactful transport solutions.
- Benefits: Initial 6-month contract with potential for extension and competitive pay.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on community infrastructure and work at a senior level.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in highways leadership and managing large-scale projects.
- Other info: Opportunity to navigate complex political environments and enhance your career.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
An upper-tier local authority is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Highways to provide strategic leadership across a large and complex highways and transport programme.
The role will play a critical part in overseeing the delivery of a major relief road scheme, supported by multi-source funding beyond the authority itself. As a result, the financial viability of this programme is not impacted by the wider financial pressures currently facing the local government sector. This is a high-profile assignment with significant political, commercial, and delivery visibility, suited to an experienced highways leader who can operate confidently at senior level.
Key Responsibilities- Provide overall strategic leadership for the highways and transport function
- Lead and assure delivery of a major infrastructure programme, including a flagship relief road scheme
- Act as senior client for highways capital projects, ensuring time, cost, and quality outcomes
- Work closely with elected members, senior officers, funding partners, and external stakeholders
- Provide clear governance, risk management, and reporting across the highways portfolio
- Lead, support, and stabilise senior management and professional teams within the service
- Ensure compliance with statutory duties, safety standards, and best practice
- Proven experience operating at Head of Service / Director-level within highways or transport
- Strong background in managing large-scale infrastructure and capital programmes
- Demonstrable experience working within complex political and stakeholder environments
- Confident leader with the ability to provide pace, grip, and assurance
- Local government experience is essential
Initial six-month contract, with potential for extension. The role is currently expected to sit inside IR35. The formal IR35 status has not yet been confirmed, and there may be scope to structure the engagement outside IR35, subject to final determination.
Next StepsIf this assignment is of interest, further details can be shared following an initial discussion.
Interim Head of Highways employer: Opus People Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Opus People Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Highways
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the highways and transport sector. Attend local government events or industry meet-ups to connect with key players. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing large-scale infrastructure projects. Share specific examples of how you've led teams to success in complex environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to local authorities or organisations that interest you. Express your enthusiasm for the role and how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your expertise. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, don’t hesitate – get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Highways
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in highways and transport. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this role requires strategic leadership, don’t forget to emphasise your experience in managing teams and delivering large-scale infrastructure projects. We’re looking for confident leaders who can operate at a senior level.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your achievements and experiences are easy to understand and relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. 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 Opus People Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Highways Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in highways and transport. Understand the specifics of the major relief road scheme mentioned in the job description, as well as the financial aspects that come into play. This will show your potential employer that you're not just familiar with the role but also genuinely interested in their projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led large-scale infrastructure projects. Highlight how you managed teams, ensured compliance with safety standards, and navigated complex political environments. This will demonstrate your capability to provide strategic leadership as required for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach working with elected members, senior officers, and external stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your strategies for building relationships and ensuring clear communication. This is crucial for a role that involves significant visibility and collaboration.
✨Be Ready for Governance and Risk Management Questions
Since the role involves governance and risk management across the highways portfolio, be prepared to discuss your experience in these areas. Have specific examples ready that illustrate how you've effectively managed risks and ensured quality outcomes in previous roles.