Roads Strategy Director & National Highways Client Director

Department for Transport; Leeds; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government department is seeking visionary leaders for two Director-level roles in transport. Candidates should demonstrate a strong background in infrastructure investment, leadership, and stakeholder engagement. These roles involve shaping road transport policies and overseeing strategic programmes aimed at improving transport networks in the UK. If you have a passion for public service and making a positive impact, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead through complexity and change.
• Experience in overseeing large-scale infrastructure investment or renewal programmes.
• Confidence in engaging with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Shape the strategic direction of the Roads Strategy Directorate.
• Lead the delivery of the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS).
• Develop relationships with National Highways and the Office of Rail and Road.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Insight

Stakeholder Engagement

Change Management

Job description

The Department for Transport

Transport is fundamental to everyday life, connecting people to work, education, leisure and opportunity. The Department for Transport are shaping the future of mobility across the UK. With a workforce of over 15,000, including 3,400 in the core department, our mission is to improve every kind of journey, harnessing innovation to create safer, greener and more inclusive transport networks. We are committed to delivering for communities across the country.

The Road Transport Group

The Road Transport Group (RTG) sits at the heart of UK road policy. Roads carry 97% of passenger trips and over two-thirds of freight, making them critical to both mobility and commerce. RTG oversees everything from infrastructure investment and maintenance to vehicle regulation and future transport technologies. We work closely with agencies such as DVLA, DVSA, VCA and National Highways to deliver a safe, efficient and sustainable road network. RTG is a collaborative, inclusive and impact-driven team, passionate about making a real difference to people’s lives.

The Roles

We are recruiting two pivotal Director-level roles within RTG:

• Roads Strategy DirectorThis role will shape the strategic direction of the Roads Strategy Directorate. You will drive reform in local highways maintenance, launch a new £1 billion Structures Fund, and oversee enhancements to the local road network. You will also lead the development of the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy and establish a regulatory framework for e-scooters. A key focus will be on harnessing emerging technologies to improve road user experience and reduce congestion.
  
• National Highways Client DirectorThis role leads the delivery of the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS) and prepares for future RIS cycles, including the £25 billion RIS for 2026/27–2030/31. You will build strategic relationships with National Highways and the Office of Rail and Road, and ensure licence obligations and strategic priorities are met. You will also support the development of the project delivery profession under the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority. Both roles offer the opportunity to lead high-profile programmes with significant ministerial and parliamentary interest, shaping the future of the UK’s road transport system.

We are looking for

We are seeking dynamic, visionary leaders who can inspire and motivate high-performing, multidisciplinary teams across diverse locations. You will bring a proven ability to lead through complexity and change, maintaining morale and delivering results across a broad scope of activity. Your strategic insight will enable you to prioritise effectively while progressing multiple workstreams. You will be confident in engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, including ministers, on complex and high-profile issues. Crucially, you will have experience in developing, implementing and overseeing large-scale infrastructure investment or renewal programmes, ensuring value for money and managing risk.

If you are passionate about shaping the future of transport and delivering real impact for communities across the UK, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To apply please click theApply Now link below.