Head Of Streetworks (Strategic & Advisory) in England

This role suits a senior Streetworks professional who has moved beyond service ownership and is motivated by influence, problem-solving, and system-level improvement.

Role Purpose

The Head of Streetworks is a senior, strategic advisory role responsible for overseeing, diagnosing, and improving Streetworks performance across utility networks and local authority environments. This is not an operational delivery or people-management position.

The role exists to:

• Identify and resolve systemic Streetworks bottlenecks
• Influence third-party organisations and internal stakeholders
• Improve network outcomes through governance, operating-model change, and behavioural intervention
• Support clients in embedding sustainable, compliant, and efficient Streetworks practices

The role operates without line authority, relying on credibility, regulatory expertise, and influence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight & System Diagnosis

• Assess Streetworks performance at a network and system level, identifying root causes of delay, inefficiency, and disruption.
• Distinguish between process, behavioural, governance, and incentive-based constraints.
• Advise clients on priority interventions that improve network performance and coordination.

Change & Operating Model Improvement

• Design and shape Streetworks operating-model improvements, including governance, decision-making, and coordination mechanisms.
• Support the introduction and embedding of new ways of working, ensuring adoption and sustainability.
• Challenge existing practices where they do not deliver outcomes, proposing pragmatic alternatives.

Influence & Stakeholder Alignment

• Influence Utilities, contractors, local authorities, and internal client stakeholders without direct authority.
• Balance collaboration and enforcement to drive behavioural change and long-term improvement.
• Operate confidently in politically sensitive environments, advising senior leaders and elected members where required.

Governance & Regulatory Advisory

• Provide expert advisory input on Streetworks legislation, permit schemes, Lane Rental, and Network Management Duty.
• Support and shape governance forums (e.g. HAUC, coordination groups) to ensure they drive decisions rather than compliance reporting.
• Advise on regulatory risk, reputational impact, and performance trade-offs.

Network Outcomes & Value

• Frame success in terms of network outcomes, including reduced disruption, improved coordination, and sustained compliance.
• Support clients in aligning Streetworks performance with wider organisational and regulatory objectives.
• Contribute to commercial and performance improvement through system design rather than transactional enforcement.

What This Role Is Not

• Not a line-management role
• Not responsible for running a Streetworks service or team
• Not focused on day-to-day permit processing or inspections
• Not an enforcement-only or compliance policing role

Required Experience

• Extensive senior experience in Streetworks, highways, or network management within regulated environments.
• Deep knowledge of Streetworks legislation, permit schemes, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience leading strategic change and improving outcomes without direct line authority.
• Demonstrated ability to influence Utilities, contractors, and public-sector stakeholders.
• Experience operating at senior advisory level within complex, politically sensitive environments.

Desired Attributes

• Strong system-level thinker with the ability to diagnose root causes.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and fast-paced consultancy environments.
• Pragmatic, outcomes-focused approach to change.
• High credibility with both operational and senior stakeholders.
• Able to balance regulatory compliance, collaboration, and commercial considerations.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable senior-level expertise in Streetworks governance, regulation, and network management within regulated utility environments.
• Working knowledge of Streetworks legislation and regulatory frameworks sufficient to operate credibly at strategic advisory level.
• Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to regulatory change, system improvement, or organisational transformation.

PLEASE NOTE You must be living and eligible to work in the UK to apply for this position.

If you are interested in this role, please apply via this link or contact Phil Crew via LinkedIn or call The Resolute Group on (phone number removed). If this role isn't quite right for you, please follow The Resolute Group for all of our latest positions. All correspondence will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.