At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategic management of highways maintenance and ensure public infrastructure is safe and compliant.
- Company: Join Southwark, London's largest local authority social landlord, committed to fairness and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, competitive pension, and excellent learning support.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Southwark's roads and public spaces while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering or related field; strong leadership and contract management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Why Southwark
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse and growing population. At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together underpins all that we do.
What You'll Be Doing
We are looking for an experienced and strategic Group Manager – Highways Maintenance to lead our Highways Maintenance service. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for the strategic management of highways maintenance and asset management across the borough. You will lead a high‑profile service that helps keep Southwark’s roads, structures and public infrastructure safe, compliant and well maintained, while ensuring the council meets its statutory duties and wider corporate priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the highways maintenance service: Provide strategic leadership for the highways maintenance function, ensuring services are efficient, effective and aligned with council priorities.
- Managing highways infrastructure delivery: Lead the design, delivery, maintenance and improvement of highways infrastructure, including roads, drainage, flood alleviation, bridges, river walls, street furniture, winter services and inspection programmes.
- Driving asset management and investment planning: Apply asset management principles to support strategic investment planning, minimise unnecessary expenditure and ensure long‑term value for money.
- Managing contracts and procurement: Oversee highways term maintenance contracts and other contractual arrangements, including procurement strategy, tendering, specification development, contract award and ongoing contract management.
- Leading on financial management: Manage revenue, capital and grant‑funded budgets, including bidding, budget setting, allocation, profiling, monitoring and financial performance in line with council financial regulations.
What We're Looking For
- Relevant qualifications: A degree, or equivalent, in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
- Professional membership: Chartered or incorporated membership of a relevant professional institution, or evidence that you are working towards this.
- Commitment to development: Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development relevant to highways maintenance, safety and contract management.
- Strong sector experience: Significant experience in highways maintenance, asset management or a related engineering portfolio.
- Leadership experience: Demonstrable experience of leading and developing multidisciplinary teams, including people management, change management and performance management.
- Service delivery experience: Proven experience contributing to the design, delivery or improvement of highways or public realm schemes.
- Contract management expertise: Strong experience managing highways term maintenance contracts, including performance, quality, safety and commercial controls.
- Financial management skills: Experience of budget control, financial governance and resource management within a highways, engineering or infrastructure environment.
- Systems and digital capability: Practical experience using Microsoft Office and relevant highways or asset management systems.
Additional Information
Recruitment Timeline
- Closing date: 31 May 2026
- Shortlisting: by Friday 5 June 2026
- Interviews: Tuesday 16 June 2026
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
This role is part of our commitment to inclusion. Qualified applicants from the following groups will be offered a guaranteed interview:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Individuals currently in care or who have previously been in care
- Disabled individuals or those with a long‑term health condition
Benefits
- Shift enhancements for out‑of‑hours and weekend working
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Competitive pension scheme
- Excellent support for learning and development
Group Manager - Highways Maintenance employer: Southwark Council
Southwark is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment while managing a vital public service that impacts the lives of thousands. As a Group Manager in Highways Maintenance, you will benefit from a competitive pension scheme, generous annual leave, and robust support for professional development, all while contributing to the safety and improvement of Southwark's infrastructure. Join a passionate team committed to making a positive difference in the community and enjoy the unique opportunity to lead strategic initiatives in one of London's most vibrant boroughs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Manager - Highways Maintenance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the highways maintenance sector. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to chat with people who might know about job openings. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Southwark and its priorities. Understand their approach to highways maintenance and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership skills and technical expertise can drive the highways maintenance service forward. Keep it concise and impactful – you want to leave a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Manager - Highways Maintenance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our highways maintenance service!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior leadership role, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience clearly. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in highways maintenance or related fields. We love hearing about your successes!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so show us your best writing skills!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to highways maintenance and asset management. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in the sector, as well as Southwark's specific priorities. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Group Manager, you'll need to lead multidisciplinary teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on change management and performance improvement. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with Southwark's commitment to community and service delivery.
✨Understand the Financials
Since financial management is a key part of this role, make sure you can talk confidently about budget control and resource management. Bring examples of how you've managed budgets in previous roles, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach financial governance within Southwark's context.
✨Engage with the Community Focus
Southwark values its residents and communities, so it's important to convey your passion for public service. Think about how your work in highways maintenance can positively impact the local community. Be ready to share ideas on how to enhance service delivery and tackle inequalities in the borough.
