Here atDerbyshire County Council, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services to make them fit for the future and allow us to invest effectively in our network. As we begin to implement our new structure, we have anexciting leadership opportunityas the head of our new operations service.

We are committed to the long-term development of our internal delivery capability and our new service will establish a commercial model which reflects its strategic importance in our service. Our Operations Service will undertake construction as well as planned and reactive maintenance activities across our diverse highway network. It will also provide an effective winter service and help us respond to weather and other emergencies.

This role will report to the Assistant Director Highways Delivery but will work closely with the whole highways team as well as the wider Place directorate to deliver effective, efficient and value for money service delivery.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the Highway Operations Service in the delivery of all construction, maintenance, and related tasks on the highway network. This includes provision of an adverse weather and emergency works service, both in an outside of normal working hours.
• Creation and operation of a mature commercial function which controls overhead and operational costs.
• Ensure that instructed projects, tasks and activities are delivered taking account of best practice, agreed specifications and standards.
• Overall accountability for the Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental performance of the Operations Service.
• Maintain a forward programme of work which aligns with a resourcing strategy which provides for the Service’s short-term needs whilst ensuring that the Service develops the resilience and skills needed for the future.
• Provide strategic leadership on the management of the construction supply chain.

We are looking for someone with:

• Relevant professional qualification plus significant senior level experience in a similar work environment or extensive highways related experience backed by evidence of appropriate specialist knowledge.
• Experience in leading a service through a period of change and developing a sustainable business model.
• An ability to apply the principles of effective public sector commissioning to objectively assess need, based on evidence and information, and make strategic decisions in relation to Service priorities, work schedules and programmes.
• Substantial and wide-ranging understanding of the construction, operation, and maintenance processes which are applied across all areas relevant to a Highway Authority.
• Substantial experience of growing and managing a team, motivating staff, achieving organisational goals and budget management.
• Programme and project management skills to build high levels of confidence in the delivery of complex and/or high value projects.

Support & Benefits:

• Flexi Time Scheme:Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.
• Generous Annual Leave Scheme:Ensures a healthy work-life balance.
• Local Government Pension Scheme:Provides financial security.
• Wellbeing Support Framework:Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in-house counselling.
• Employee Wellbeing Support:Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
• Electric/Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme:Encourages environmentally friendly commuting options.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards:a package of benefits and discounts.

This role currently offershybrid workingoptions which will be to subject service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

Should you wish to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Katherine Hunt atKatherine.Hunt@derbyshire.gov.uk

Ready to Apply?

If you’re ready to take the lead in delivering structural excellence across Derbyshire, we’d love to hear from you!

To apply please click theApply Nowlink below.