Get ahead with CIHT Membership

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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 the forefront of carbon reduction as part of the Government's Live Labs 2 programme, adopting AI technologies, and has recently undergone a major reorganization and restructuring to reduce costs. It is also engaged in a significant procurement programme to secure partners for highways delivery and decarbonisation over the next 8-10 years. Somerset Council is in a stable position to deliver positive improvements and innovation.

As the head of Highway Operations, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining Somerset’s extensive highway infrastructure, including 6,700 km of roads, 2,500 bridges, 50,000 streetlights, and 6,200 km of 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 succeed. It will be advantageous if you have a relevant degree and/or professional qualification (e.g., Chartered Engineer) or equivalent experience. We are looking for someone with extensive knowledge of major issues facing the Highways sector, proven ability to work in a political environment, establish relationships with stakeholders, and provide clear advice on strategy and policy issues.

We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you wish to discuss the role before applying, please contact the hiring manager.

What's in it for me?

We provide a supportive and rewarding environment, with opportunities for training and development. Our employee benefits include:

• Flexible working arrangements, including options for remote work.
• Generous annual leave, with options to purchase additional leave.
• Staff discounts in gyms and other facilities.
• Employee Assistance and wellbeing services.
• Auto-enrollment in our pension scheme with voluntary contributions.
• Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice, including cycle schemes and health screenings.
• Discounts through My Staff Shop for shopping, dining, entertainment, and insurance.

Anything else I should know?

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

For an informal chat about the role, contact Mike O’Dowd-Jones at mike.odowdjones@somerset.gov.uk.

When applying, please include your full employment history, explain any gaps, and start with your current or most recent job. We look forward to hearing from you!