At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in highways management, ensuring safety and efficiency across transport infrastructure.
- Company: Sandwell Council, a values-led organisation making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, focus on employee development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and providing equitable access to opportunities for all.
- Why this job: Shape the future of transport services and make a lasting difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Degree in civil engineering or related field, extensive management experience, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 87234 - 99426 £ per year.
Grade/Salary: Band HAY 2 (£87,234 to £99,426)
Contract Type: Full time, Permanent
Working Pattern: Monday – Friday, 37 hours
Location: Sandwell Council House, Oldbury (Hybrid)
Sandwell Council's Place Division is seeking an experienced Head of Service – Highways to join its team on a full time, permanent basis from its Oldbury office.
The role:
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Highways leader to provide clear direction across a diverse and critical service area. Acting as the Council's principal advisor, you will lead on highways, traffic management, road safety, and flood risk, ensuring full compliance with statutory duties and alignment with wider organisational priorities.
You will drive the development and delivery of key strategies, including asset management, infrastructure investment, and road safety, while overseeing maintenance, inspections, and capital projects to ensure a safe, efficient, and sustainable network. As Traffic Manager and Lead Local Flood Authority representative, you will play a pivotal role in keeping the network moving and resilient.
This role demands strong leadership across multi‐disciplinary teams, responsibility for parking and streetworks services, and a proven ability to secure external funding and deliver high‐profile projects on time and within budget. You will work closely with regional and national partners, champion innovation, and ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and service delivery.
This is a high‐impact opportunity for a forward‐thinking professional to shape the future of transport infrastructure and services.
Attributes that you would bring to the role:
- Degree in civil engineering, transport planning, or related discipline.
- Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional status.
- Extensive management experience to include project management, people management, budget management, performance management and best value.
- Have worked at a senior managerial level in a complex organisation comparable to local government.
- Effective skills to enable management of a varied team with differing skills and abilities.
- Extensive knowledge of issues affecting the service area.
- Excellent understanding of local government processes and functions.
- Experience of overseeing large scale change programmes by being outcome focused.
- Demonstrated experience in project planning that aligns to the organisational framework/corporate plan which enables the delivery of transformational change.
- Understanding how transformational change underpins the Medium-Term Financial Plan.
- Experience of delivery of high‐quality customer services.
- Understanding of local government decision making and governance and experience of working with elected members.
- Leadership evidence in a public sector environment and with change management/transformation skills.
- Strong and positive service delivery champion for the service with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Play a key leadership and management role in developing a strong commercial function for the organisation.
Why Sandwell Council?
At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‐led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you'll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.
We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in your role.
If you wish to apply as Care Leaver, Armed Forces Veteran or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.
If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, would like to request reasonable adjustments to assist you in this process, please contact Imran_butt@sandwell.gov.uk
Head of Service - Highways in West Bromwich employer: Sandwell Council
Sandwell Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the council fosters a supportive work culture where every voice is valued, and opportunities for professional growth are abundant. By joining Sandwell, you will play a vital role in shaping transport infrastructure and services that positively impact the community, all while working in a collaborative and innovative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Highways in West Bromwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the highways and local government sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sandwell Council’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the community. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job. We want to see your application directly, so make sure you showcase your skills and experiences that match the Head of Service - Highways role. Let’s get you in the running!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Highways in West Bromwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Service - Highways role. Highlight your leadership experience, project management skills, and any relevant qualifications to show us you're the perfect fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you an ideal candidate. Be sure to mention your understanding of local government processes and your vision for the future of transport infrastructure.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you lead a successful project? Secure funding? Share those stories with us! We love to see how you've made a difference in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you're keen and ready to join our team at Sandwell Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of highways, traffic management, and local government processes. Familiarise yourself with Sandwell Council's current projects and challenges in the area. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about the role and its impact.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams and managed large-scale projects. Be ready to discuss your approach to driving change and ensuring high-quality service delivery. Highlighting your experience in securing funding and delivering projects on time will definitely set you apart.
✨Align with Their Values
Sandwell Council values diversity, inclusion, and community impact. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to discuss this during the interview. Share experiences where you've championed these values in your previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the council's future. Inquire about their strategic priorities for highways and how they measure success in service delivery. This shows that you're not only interested in the position but also in contributing to their long-term goals.
