Head Of Highway Operations

Head of Highway Operations

At Derbyshire, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services to make them fit for the future and allow us to invest effectively in our network.  As we begin to implement our new structure, we have an exciting leadership opportunity as the Head of our new operations service.

We are committed to the long-term development of our internal delivery capability and our new Service will establish a commercial model which reflects its strategic importance in our Service.  Our Operations Service will undertake construction as well as planned and reactive maintenance activities across our diverse highway network.  It will also provide an effective winter service and help us respond to weather and other emergencies. 

This role will report to the Assistant Director Highways Delivery but will work closely with the whole highways team as well as the wider Place directorate to deliver effective, efficient and value for money service delivery.

Key responsibilities for this role are:

• Lead the Highway Operations Service in the delivery of all construction, maintenance, and related tasks on the highway network. This includes provision of an adverse weather and emergency works service, both in an outside of normal working hours.
• Creation and operation of a mature commercial function which controls overhead and operational costs.
• Ensure that instructed projects, tasks and activities are delivered taking account of best practice, agreed specifications and standards.
• Overall accountability for the Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental performance of the Operations Service.
• Maintain a forward programme of work which aligns with a resourcing strategy which provides for the Service’s short term needs whilst ensuring that the Service develops the resilience and skills needed for the future.
• Provide strategic leadership on the management of the construction supply chain.

We are looking for someone with:

• A relevant professional qualification plus substantial senior level experience in a similar work environment.
• Substantial and wide-ranging understanding of the construction, operation, and maintenance processes in all aspects of Highway engineering.
• Experience of controlling organisations (or parts of organisations) with significant financial turnover.
• Significant experience of procuring and managing complex commercial contracts and frameworks.
• Ability to lead, manage and develop staff with an understanding of employee relations and associated HR activities.

These lists are not exhaustive, please refer to the job and person profile for this position.

We are looking for someone with:

• Relevant professional qualification plus significant senior level experience in a similar work environment or extensive highways related experience backed by evidence of appropriate specialist knowledge.
• An ability to apply the principles of effective public sector commissioning to objectively assess need, based on evidence and information, and make strategic decisions in relation to Service priorities, work schedules and programmes.
• Substantial and wide-ranging understanding of the construction, operation, and maintenance processes which are applied across all areas relevant to a Highway Authority.
• Substantial experience of growing and managing a team, motivating staff, achieving organisational goals and budget management
• Programme and project management skills to build high levels of confidence in the delivery of complex and/or high value projects.

These lists are not exhaustive, please refer to the job and person profile for this position.

What we offer you: 

We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to work-life balance.

• 34 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Flexi time, allowing up to an additional 2 days of leave per month
• Training and development opportunities
• Generous local government pension scheme with a 20.8% employer contribution
• Guaranteed incremental annual pay increases
• Access to a comprehensive wellbeing package
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounts at selected county leisure centres
• and much more!

Interviews will take place week commencing 17th June. Make a confidential application today!
For other roles across the Highways department follow this link.

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