At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in highways management, ensuring safety and efficiency across the network.
- Company: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, a values-led organisation making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a strong focus on employee development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of transport infrastructure and services in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in civil engineering or related field, with extensive management experience.
The predicted salary is between 20 - 20 £ per hour.
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Highways leader to provide clear direction across a diverse and critical service area. Acting as the Council’s principal advisor, you will lead on highways, traffic management, road safety, and flood risk, ensuring full compliance with statutory duties and alignment with wider organisational priorities.
You will drive the development and delivery of key strategies, including asset management, infrastructure investment, and road safety, while overseeing maintenance, inspections, and capital projects to ensure a safe, efficient, and sustainable network. As Traffic Manager and Lead Local Flood Authority representative, you will play a pivotal role in keeping the network moving and resilient.
This role demands strong leadership across multi-disciplinary teams, responsibility for parking and streetworks services, and a proven ability to secure external funding and deliver high-profile projects on time and within budget. You will work closely with regional and national partners, champion innovation, and ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and service delivery.
This is a high-impact opportunity for a forward-thinking professional to shape the future of transport infrastructure and services.
Attributes that you would bring to the role:
- Degree in civil engineering, transport planning, or related discipline.
- Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional status.
- Extensive management experience to include project management, people management, budget management, performance management and best value.
- Have worked at a senior managerial level in a complex organisation comparable to local government.
- Effective skills to enable management of a varied team with differing skills and abilities.
- Extensive knowledge of issues affecting the service area.
- Excellent understanding of local government processes and functions.
- Experience of overseeing large scale change programmes by being outcome focused.
- Demonstrated experience in project planning that aligns to the organisational framework/corporate plan which enables the delivery of transformational change.
- Understanding how transformational change underpins the Medium-Term Financial Plan.
- Experience of delivery of high-quality customer services.
- Understanding of local government decision making and governance and experience of working with elected members.
- Leadership evidence in a public sector environment and with change management/transformation skills.
- Strong and positive service delivery champion for the service with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Play a key leadership and management role in developing a strong commercial function for the organisation.
Why Sandwell Council:
At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values-led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.
We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive.
Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.
If you wish to apply as Care Leaver, Armed Forces Veteran or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV. If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, would like to request reasonable adjustments to assist you in this process please contact Imran_butt@sandwell.gov.uk.
Head of Service - Highways in Oldbury employer: WMJobs
At Sandwell Council, we pride ourselves on being a values-led organisation that offers a supportive work environment with excellent benefits and a competitive salary. Our commitment to employee development and inclusivity ensures that every team member can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the community. Join us in shaping the future of transport infrastructure and services in a collaborative and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Highways in Oldbury
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like WMJobs, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like WMJobs and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Highways in Oldbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for WMJobs and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with WMJobs, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for WMJobs.
