Assistant Director

**Role**:

- Assistant Director Highways

**Salary -** £87,321 - £97,164

**Closing Date** - 15th January 2023

**_Connecting Central Bedfordshire_**

Central Bedfordshire Council has been on an incredible journey since its formation in 2009. Alongside service improvements, we have made significant savings and have become a leaner and more efficient organisation, with an agile and empowered workforce. We’ve built and grown sustainably and put the council on a firm and stable financial footing, which will allow our communities, businesses, and people to thrive for years to come.

Whilst we have already achieved some great successes, there is further growth and development on the horizon within Central Bedfordshire. We have plans for an additional 20,0000 homes and are investing heavily in major assets such as leisure centres, independent living schemes, and health care hubs. These will inevitably result in an increased demand on our road network, and we are rolling out an extensive maintenance programme, alongside investing in major new road links to improve connectivity across our thriving district.

The council’s Place and Communities directorate is responsible for many of the key assets and powers that a local authority can deploy to help create the conditions for successful and thriving communities, from infrastructure and development, through to planning and the environment. The teams within the directorate, along with our partners, deliver the services our residents need in a commercially aware and sustainable way. The key aim of the directorate is for seamless working between place-based strategy to operational delivery, with a focus on place shaping, delivery, and sustainability.

In the newly created role of Assistant Director of Highways, you will be the council’s most senior highways and infrastructure expert. As part of the council’s leadership team, you will guide your specialist technical teams to ensure Central Bedfordshire’s highways, roads, and pavements are safe across our 1,400 kilometre-wide district. Having recently retendered a £250m highways contract, we seek a talented leader to oversee the transition and effective delivery of the new contract.

To be successful, you will be highly credible in the field of highways and infrastructure and, whilst this might be a step up in your career, you must have substantial experience of leading and managing a highways and technical function within a large public or private sector organisation. Importantly, you will have an ability to work closely with elected members, residents, and our wider communities to identify growth opportunities and to encourage new ideas, innovation, and fresh perspectives.

You must bring an understanding of the national policy context, regulatory environment, and demonstrate an ability to manage resources effectively. Whilst you will a technical expert in the field of highways, you must also be a great leader of people, with an ability to grow and nurture your teams to ensure delivery of the highest standard. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

For a confidential conversation, please contact **Helen Anderson** (07534 602845) or **Clare Connor** (0161 408 0703) at Tile Hill.