Head of Highways & Transport

Redbridge Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Redbridge London Borough Council is seeking an experienced leader to shape and deliver transport and highways strategy across the borough. You will be accountable for large capital programmes and complex contracts that underpin delivery, working closely with elected members and high-profile stakeholders.

The role requires the ability to move between detailed operational oversight and the strategic big picture, ensuring service modernisation, new technology adoption, and value for money for

Responsibilities

• Lead borough-wide transport and highways strategies.
• Oversee large-scale capital programmes and complex contracts backing delivery.
• Provide assurance to elected members and stakeholders on operational oversight.
• Drive service innovation and value for money with a focus on climate and air quality agendas.

Job description

There is a lot going on in Redbridge right now. Ambitious regeneration plans will transform how the borough looks and feels and help to create greater economic opportunities for our residents. And we are reshaping our organisation to be better equipped to have the greatest impact for our community. On the outside that means big, complex projects, working pan-London with high profile stakeholders. On the inside it means stability of leadership and purpose, a new cohort of highly capable leadership colleagues, and a clearly defined set of values that people have bought into. Together, it adds up to something special.

This is an excellent move for an experienced local authority transport leader: someone who is comfortable operating at a strategic level and influencing in a partnership setting. You’ll lead on setting borough‑wide transport and highways strategies as well as being accountable for the large‑scale capital programmes and complex contracts that underpin their delivery. Major infrastructure projects are already underway in the borough, and you will ensure that these are delivered successfully. These are complex, high‑profile initiatives that will build your reputation within the sector.

We are looking for someone with the professional expertise and the strategic perspective to move effortlessly between the detail and the big picture – offering assurance to elected members and other stakeholders on operational oversight, while ensuring a focus on service innovation, maximising the potential of new technology and delivering value for money. Expert technical knowledge is only part of the ask: we also want someone who can lead with humility and emotional intelligence and who can empathise with the community we serve.

Good candidates will have a very well‑informed understanding of the public and political scrutiny that comes with such a role. Highly developed people and resource management skills will be vital in leading, managing and modernising a large multidisciplinary service. It’s a wide remit that includes the statutory role of Traffic Manager for the Council, while also ensuring continued progress in sustainable transport, climate and air quality agendas.

Closing date: 23rd November (noon)