Head of Highway Network

Carrington West; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Carrington West is seeking an experienced Head of Highway Network to lead Lancashire's busy highway network. The role focuses on strategic leadership, delivering resilient performance, safety and sustainable mobility for residents and businesses.

You will oversee network management, traffic operations, and collaboration with public and private partners to optimise disruption management and service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic management of Lancashire's highway network, including performance and resilience.
• Develop and implement network management strategies aligned with transport priorities.
• Coordinate works with Lancashire County Council, utilities, developers and emergency services.
• Oversee disruption management and incident responses on the highway network.
• Lead data-led approaches to congestion, journey reliability and network performance.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, regulations and council policies.
• Drive smart use of technology and intelligent transport systems.

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Highway Network to come and join a busy client in the Lancashire area.

Job Purpose

Provide strategic leadership for the management, operation and development of Lancashire's highway network.

Lead a high-performing highways network management service that keeps Lancashire moving safely, efficiently and sustainably.

Ensure the Council meets its statutory duties as Highway Authority and Network Management Authority.

Provide expert professional advice to senior leaders, elected members and partners on highway network matters.

Balance the needs of residents, businesses, pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and freight.

The main duties of the experienced Head of Highway Network are:

• Lead the strategic management of Lancashire's highway network, including:
  • Network performance and resilience.
  • Traffic management and congestion.
  • Roadworks coordination and permitting.
  • Temporary traffic regulation orders and traffic management.
  • Network inspections and operational intelligence.
  • Highway closures and disruption management.
  • Traffic signals and intelligent transport systems.
  • Parking and other network management functions where applicable.
• Develop and implement network management strategies aligned with Lancashire's transport, climate and economic priorities.
• Ensure effective coordination of works undertaken by:
  • Lancashire County Council.
  • Utility companies.
  • Developers.
  • Emergency services.
  • Public transport operators.
  • Other third-party organisations.
• Oversee the Council's approach to managing planned and unplanned disruption on the highway network.
• Lead the development of data-led approaches to understanding congestion, journey reliability and network performance.
• Ensure highway network management activities comply with relevant legislation, regulations, national guidance and Council policies.
• Drive continuous improvement in the use of technology, traffic data and intelligent transport systems.
• Work closely with highways maintenance, transport planning, capital delivery and development management teams to ensure an integrated approach to network management.
• Support the delivery of major infrastructure and regeneration schemes by ensuring effective network planning and traffic management.
• Develop effective relationships with neighbouring authorities and regional and national transport bodies.
• Represent Lancashire County Council at regional, sub-regional and national forums relating to highways and network management.
• Lead responses to major incidents, severe weather and significant network disruption, working with emergency and resilience partners.
• Ensure effective communication with elected members, residents, businesses and stakeholders regarding significant highway network issues.
• Commission and manage external professional services and contractors where required.
• Ensure services are delivered within agreed budgets and provide strong financial management and value for money.
• Identify opportunities to generate efficiencies, improve productivity and modernise service delivery.
• Lead, motivate and develop a professional multidisciplinary team, creating a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Provide clear professional leadership and direction across the network management service.
• Translate corporate and political priorities into deliverable operational and strategic plans.
• Provide high-quality reports, briefings and recommendations for senior management and elected members.
• Anticipate emerging challenges affecting Lancashire's highway network and develop appropriate responses.
• Champion sustainable transport, active travel, public transport and decarbonisation through effective network management.
• Ensure the highway network supports Lancashire's economic growth, housing delivery and regeneration priorities.
• Promote a safe, inclusive and accessible highway network for all users.