At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead highways delivery and manage contracts for impactful community outcomes.
- Company: Local authority in the Midlands with a focus on public service.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and potential for extension.
- Other info: Immediate start with a hands-on role in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local transport services and community infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in highways leadership and contract management.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
Opus People Solutions are partnering with a local authority in the Midlands to appoint an experienced Interim Head of Highways Delivery. This is a key leadership role overseeing highways contract management, network operations and a significant capital programme, with responsibility for driving performance and delivering visible outcomes for residents.
You will lead a high-performing professional client-side team, taking ownership of:
- Strategic management of a major highways maintenance contract (NEC4)
- Delivery of highways capital investment programmes and major projects
- Statutory responsibilities across network management and highways legislation
- Transport services including home to school transport
- Budget management, forecasting and value for money delivery
This is a hands-on interim role with a live improvement and delivery agenda, including:
- Driving forward a contractor improvement plan and embedding performance
- Leading key commercial and contractual priorities, including final accounts and annual planning
- Providing oversight of major schemes and operational risks
- Supporting transition activity across delivery arrangements and maintaining continuity
- Strengthening a preventative maintenance approach across the network
You will be a credible and experienced highways leader with:
- A strong track record in highways or transport services within local government
- Proven experience managing large-scale contracts and delivery partners
- The ability to operate confidently in a political environment
- Strong commercial judgement and financial oversight
- A pragmatic, delivery-focused approach with the ability to make an immediate impact
Key details:
- Start: ASAP
- Duration: Initial interim assignment with potential to extend
- Location: Midlands (hybrid working, typically 1–2 days on site)
- Rate: Competitive, dependent on experience
If you are available and interested in discussing further, please apply or contact me directly for a confidential conversation.
Interim Head of Highways in Kettering employer: Opus People Solutions Ltd
Opus People Solutions is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the Midlands with hybrid working options that promote work-life balance. Employees benefit from competitive daily rates and the opportunity to lead impactful projects that directly enhance community infrastructure, while also enjoying a culture of professional growth and collaboration within a supportive local authority setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Highways in Kettering
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Highways in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions Ltd
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Opus People Solutions Ltd.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Opus People Solutions Ltd that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
