Network Manager (Highways) in Newbury

Location: Newbury – Council Offices, Market Street

Are you an experienced and dedicated professional looking for an exciting opportunity to lead and manage Highway services within a dynamic local authority? West Berkshire Council is seeking a Network Manager to join our Environment Department, reporting to the Service Lead for Highways and Transport. This is a key role that offers excellent career prospects and the chance to make a real impact in delivering high-quality highway services to our community.

The Role

As the Network Manager, you will be responsible for the management and operation of the highway network, keeping traffic moving safely and managing a programme of improvement projects. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Managing a team of skilled professionals and engineers to deliver projects and services that matter to our residents
• Implementing measures to enhance road safety and promote sustainable and active transport options
• Financial management of multi-million pound budgets
• Managing contracts and ensuring effective procurement of external services
• Providing expert advice and guidance to elected members on highway issues
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared objectives

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Extensive experience in the delivery of highway services within a local authority or similar environment
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team
• Excellent technical knowledge of highway engineering in a local authority context
• Proficient in contract management and procurement processes
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to analyse data and make informed decisions
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations

West Berkshire Council offer excellent employment benefits such as:

• Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-21.00
• Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
• Family friendly policies
• A range of local discounts
• Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits

You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 30 days per annum (plus public holidays) rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service.

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

This post is a Sensitive Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post-holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities. In summary, this means that you are prohibited from holding political office and from involvement in any political activity within or outside the workplace. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council’s Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts.

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.

All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.