Senior Resilient Highways Officer in Birmingham

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is looking for a proactive and versatile Senior Resilient Highways Officer to join us in a unique role that combines project management, highways and transport expertise, and policy and strategy development. This is an exciting opportunity to work at a regional level, supporting the development, delivery and continuous improvement of the West Midlands’ 648km Key Route Network (KRN) – the region’s most important local authority roads outside the motorway network. You’ll play a central role in helping the network become more reliable, resilient and prepared for future challenges, including climate adaptation, air quality and the transition to net zero.

Initially, you’ll project manage the Digital Traffic Regulation Orders (D-TRO) project, working closely with local authority partners to modernise the way road regulations are recorded, managed and shared. You’ll also lead on the development of a new KRN Resilience Index, using data and evidence to identify vulnerabilities, assess future risks and support better planning and disruption management across the region. No two days will be the same. One day you could be coordinating regional practitioner groups, the next reviewing the network impacts of a major transport scheme, preparing briefing materials for senior stakeholders, or working with colleagues across climate, environment and transport teams to embed resilience into future plans and investment decisions.

You won’t be expected to have detailed knowledge of every area from day one. However, you’ll need to be curious, adaptable and comfortable taking the initiative to research unfamiliar topics and develop your expertise through self-directed learning when needed. This role will suit someone who enjoys taking ownership of projects, can manage a varied workload and is confident working with a wide range of partners and stakeholders. If you want to broaden your experience and make a tangible contribution to the future of transport across the West Midlands, we’d love to hear from you.

What You Will Be Doing

• Project manage the regional Digital Traffic Regulation Orders (D-TRO) project with our seven local highway authority partners.
• Help develop and implement the KRN Resilience Index, Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment and other data-led tools.
• Provide evidence-based advice and contribute to strategies and plans covering resilience, climate adaptation, air quality, net zero and future mobility.
• Assess the impact of schemes, works, developments, consultations and planning applications on the KRN, and advise on resilience and disruption.
• Support the delivery, monitoring and reporting of the Integrated Network Management Plan.
• Build effective relationships with local authorities, internal teams, delivery partners, transport operators, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Lead regional practitioner forums, represent WMCA and promote learning, innovation and best practice.
• Support Metro and highway interface matters and help manage their impact on the road network.
• Support the procurement and management of systems, products and specialist services, ensuring good governance and value for money.
• Contribute to business cases, funding bids, financial monitoring and reports supporting decisions and future investment.
• Identify opportunities to use technology, innovation and learning from programmes such as the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads.

What’s Essential

• Experience of working with multiple stakeholders, including local authorities, delivery partners, consultants or transport operators.
• Experience of project delivery.
• Experience of working in highways, transport planning, network management, or a related field.
• Experience of preparing reports, briefings, recommendations or business case inputs for decision-making.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence.
• Knowledge of project management principles, methods and good practice.
• Ability to assess information, identify risks and impacts, and develop practical recommendations.
• Good understanding of highways and transport networks.

Location: The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

Anonymised Applications: Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI): We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application. Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting.

Reasonable adjustments: If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary And Benefits: We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme.
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.
• You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA? WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home. We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Our Values and Behaviours: Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.

• Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
• Driven - Focused on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands.
• Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive.
• Innovative - We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future.

Creating an inclusive workplace: WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria. We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould. We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying.

Right to Work in the UK: Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).