Head of Highways Operations - #146644

Some key information

• This role provides the opportunity for hybrid working, allowing you to work either from home, or from one of our offices.
• This role is being offered either as a standard working week or as Compressed Hours.
• 33 days' annual leave (in addition to bank holidays).
• The contract offered is permanent and full-time (37 hours per week).

What will I be doing?

Somerset offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant community life. Imagine working amidst rolling hills, charming villages, and stunning coastlines. Somerset’s thriving local economy, coupled with its commitment to sustainability and innovation, provides ample opportunities for professional growth and personal fulfilment.

The Council is at a cutting edge of carbon reduction as part of the Government's Live Labs 2 programme, is at the forefront of adoption of AI, and has recently been through a major local government reorganisation and restructuring to reduce cost; and a major procurement programme to secure partners for highways delivery and decarbonisation over the next 8-10 years.

The Council is now in a uniquely stable position to deliver positive improvements and innovation.

At Somerset Council you can be involved in delivery of nationally significant projects such as Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station, Agratas gigafactory which will supply 50% of the UKk’s electric vehicle batteries and of course being part of the team that ensures global events such as Glastonbury Festival run smoothly.

As the head of Highway Operations, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining Somerset’s extensive highway infrastructure, including 6,700km of roads, 2,500 bridges, 50,000 streetlights, and 6,200km public rights of way. With a budget of £55 million and a contract portfolio exceeding £300 million, you will lead a dedicated team to deliver innovative, cost effective, and community-focused services.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you have a relevant degree and/or professional qualification e.g. Chartered Engineer and/or equivalent experience.

We are looking for someone that has extensive and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of major issues facing the Highways sector who has the proven ability to work in a political environment, establishing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, providing clear advice on strategy and policy decisions and complex issues.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

What's in it for me?

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

Anything else I should know?

The salary for the role is Grade 5 - £78,168 per annum.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Mike O’Dowd-Jones at [email protected]

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button - we can’t wait to hear from you.