Head of Streetworks; Strategic & Advisory

Position: Head of Streetworks (Strategic & Advisory)
Location: Hertfordshire

Streetworks Strategy & Transformation Lead

Salary: £80,000-£85,000

Location:

Hertfordshire (client-facing, hybrid)

This role suits a senior Streetworks professional who has moved beyond service ownership and is motivated by influence, problem-solving, and system-level improvement.

Role Purpose

The Head of Streetworks is a senior, strategic advisory role responsible for overseeing, diagnosing, and improving Streetworks performance across utility networks and local authority environments.

This is not an operational delivery or people-management position.

The role exists to:

Identify and resolve systemic Streetworks bottlenecks
Influence third-party organisations and internal stakeholders
Improve network outcomes through governance, operating-model change, and behavioural intervention
Support clients in embedding sustainable, compliant, and efficient Streetworks practices

The role operates without line authority, relying on credibility, regulatory expertise, and influence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight & System Diagnosis

Assess Streetworks performance at a network and system level, identifying root causes of delay, inefficiency, and disruption
Distinguish between process, behavioural, governance, and incentive-based constraints
Advise clients on priority interventions that improve network performance and coordination

Change & Operating Model Improvement

Design and shape Streetworks operating-model improvements, including governance, decision-making, and coordination mechanisms
Support the introduction and embedding of new ways of working, ensuring adoption and sustainability
Challenge existing practices where they do not deliver outcomes, proposing pragmatic alternatives

Influence & Stakeholder Alignment

Influence Utilities, contractors, local authorities, and internal client stakeholders without direct authority
Balance collaboration and enforcement to drive behavioural change and long-term improvement
Operate confidently in politically sensitive environments, advising senior leaders and elected members where required

Governance & Regulatory Advisory

Provide expert advisory input on Streetworks legislation, permit schemes, Lane Rental, and Network Management Duty
Support and shape governance forums (e.g. HAUC, coordination groups) to ensure they drive decisions rather than compliance reporting
Advise on regulatory risk, reputational impact, and performance trade-offs Network Outcomes & Value

Frame success in terms of network outcomes, including reduced disruption, improved coordination, and sustained compliance
Support clients in aligning Streetworks performance with wider organisational and regulatory objectives
Contribute to commercial and performance improvement through system design rather than transactional enforcement

What This Role Is Not

Not a line-management role
Not responsible for running a Streetworks service or team
Not focused on day-to-day permit processing or inspections
Not an enforcement-only or compliance policing role Required Experience

Extensive senior experience in Streetworks, highways, or network management within regulated environments
Deep knowledge of Streetworks legislation, permit schemes, and regulatory frameworks
Proven experience leading strategic change and improving outcomes without direct line authority
Demonstrated ability to influence Utilities, contractors, and public-sector stakeholders
Experience operating at senior advisory level within complex, politically sensitive environments

Desired Attributes

Strong system-level thinker with the ability to diagnose root causes
Comfortable operating in ambiguity and fast-paced consultancy environments
Pragmatic, outcomes-focused approach to change
High credibility with both operational and senior stakeholders
Able to balance regulatory compliance, collaboration, and commercial considerations

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

Demonstrable senior-level expertise in Streetworks governance, regulation, and network management within regulated utility environments
Working knowledge of Streetworks legislation and regulatory frameworks sufficient to operate credibly at strategic advisory level
Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to regulatory change, system improvement, or organisational transformation

PLEASE NOTE

You must be living and eligible to work in the UK to apply for this position

If you are interested in this role, please apply via this link or contact Phil Crew via Linked In or call The Resolute Group on (phone number removed).

If this role isn't quite right for you, please follow The Resolute Group for all of our latest positions.

All correspondence will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence