Strategic Lead - Highway Maintenance And Operations
BBBH48956_1768828153
Posted: 19/01/2026
- Up to £500 per day
- East Midlands
- Contract
Job Title: Strategic Lead Highway Maintenance And Operations
Contract: 6-months minimum
Location: East Midlands, Hybrid
Day Rate: £500
Spencer Clarke Group are seeking a senior highways professional to take on an interim Strategic Lead role covering Highway Infrastructure, Operations and Flood Defence. This is a high-impact leadership position responsible for shaping strategy, securing investment and overseeing front-line highway services within a complex local authority environment.
The role provides strategic direction across highway asset maintenance, street lighting, structures, drainage, flood risk and operational delivery. You will work closely with senior leadership, elected members, regional transport bodies and external partners to drive service improvement, unlock funding and deliver tangible outcomes aligned with the wider council plan.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership across highway infrastructure operations and flood defence services
- Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary team of professional and technical staff
- Champion a safety-first culture across all highway and operational activities
- Oversee development and delivery of works programmes, budgets and performance outcomes
- Act as senior technical advisor on complex highway, drainage and flood risk matters
- Develop and present robust business cases to secure external funding and investment
- Collaborate with regional transport authorities to maximise strategic opportunities
- Report progress, risks and opportunities to senior leadership with clarity and authority
Experience/Qualifications
- Significant senior experience within a local highway authority or equivalent environment
- Proven strategic leadership of large, multi-disciplinary operational teams
- Strong understanding of highways legislation, asset management and best practice
- Experience developing and implementing highways or infrastructure strategies
- Demonstrable success working with elected members, residents and external partners
- Degree level qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant technical discipline
- Management qualification or substantial senior management experience
- Membership of a relevant professional body such as ICE, IHE or equivalent
How to Apply
If you're interested in applying, please apply now with your CV and contact Joe O'Halloran at Spencer Clarke Group on 01772 954200 ASAP.
Joe O’Halloran
Lead Consultant