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, a competitive pension, and support for your learning and development.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for veterans, care leavers, and disabled individuals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Southwark's roads and infrastructure 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.
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.
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
- Provide strategic leadership for the highways maintenance function, ensuring services are efficient, effective and aligned with council priorities.
- 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.
- Apply asset management principles to support strategic investment planning, minimise unnecessary expenditure and ensure long‑term value for money.
- Oversee highways term maintenance contracts and other contractual arrangements, including procurement strategy, tendering, specification development, contract award and ongoing contract 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
We are looking for someone with strong technical credibility, strategic leadership skills and significant experience in highways maintenance or related infrastructure services.
You Will Bring
- A degree, or equivalent, in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
- Chartered or incorporated membership of a relevant professional institution, or evidence that you are working towards this.
- Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development relevant to highways maintenance, safety and contract management.
- Significant experience in highways maintenance, asset management or a related engineering portfolio.
- Demonstrable experience of leading and developing multidisciplinary teams, including people management, change management and performance management.
- Proven experience contributing to the design, delivery or improvement of highways or public realm schemes.
- Strong experience managing highways term maintenance contracts, including performance, quality, safety and commercial controls.
- Experience of budget control, financial governance and resource management within a highways, engineering or infrastructure environment.
- 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 in London employer: Southwark Council
Southwark is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment while serving the community. As the largest local authority social landlord in London, we offer competitive benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and strong support for professional development. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of Southwark's residents and enjoy the unique opportunity to lead a high-profile service that ensures the safety and maintenance of our borough's vital infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Manager - Highways Maintenance in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the highways maintenance sector or related fields. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your past projects and achievements in highways maintenance. This could include case studies, reports, or even presentations. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your work speak for itself!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Research companies like Southwark and reach out directly to express your interest. A well-crafted email can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. So, don’t hesitate – get your application in and let’s make great things happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Manager - Highways Maintenance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in highways maintenance and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at Southwark, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Group Manager, your leadership experience is crucial. We’re looking for examples of how you’ve successfully led teams and managed projects in the past. Share specific instances where you made a positive impact!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of 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 show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams. Think about times when you've successfully managed change or improved service delivery. Be ready to discuss how you can bring that expertise to Southwark and contribute to their goals.
✨Understand the Financials
Since financial management is a key part of this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with budget control and resource management. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your ability to manage finances effectively within a highways or infrastructure context.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about Southwark’s current projects, challenges in highways maintenance, or their approach to community engagement. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
