Group Manager – Highways

Group Manager – Highways Maintenance
Rate 600-750
Inside IR35
6/9 Months
Northwest of England
On-site presence required

Interviews WC 16TH March

We are seeking a high‑calibre leader to take full operational accountability for the county’s highways maintenance. You will ensure a safe and resilient network for every resident and visitor, overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes everything from structural repairs and street lighting to drainage and public realm maintenance.

This is a strategic leadership opportunity to shape the future of our service, manage a large multi‑disciplinary workforce, and strengthen our commercial delivery models.

• Operational Leadership: Direct all core maintenance across multiple districts, including reactive/planned repairs, drainage investigations, street lighting PFI, and emergency incident response.
• Partnership Management: Act as the senior lead for Public Realm Agreements (PRAs) with district councils, ensuring consistency, high standards, and strong collaborative working.
• People & Performance: Lead a team of 200, fostering a “right‑first‑time” culture focused on customer satisfaction and modern service delivery.
• Commercial & Asset Strategy: Provide end‑to‑end leadership of Managed Service models for drainage and structural defects; collaborate with Asset Management to align works with long‑term investment.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build influential relationships with elected Members, parish councils, and community groups, resolving complex cases and providing senior‑level briefings.
• Governance & Finance: Ensure total compliance with the Highways Act, NRSWA, and TMA while managing significant capital and revenue budgets with robust cost control.

• Highways Expertise: Extensive background in highways maintenance, operations, or asset management with deep knowledge of relevant legislation (Highways Act, NRSWA, TMA).
• Leadership Track Record: Proven experience managing large, multi‑disciplinary teams and delivering complex operational services at scale.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong experience in contract management (ideally NEC‑based) and financial oversight of large‑scale budgets.
• Stakeholder Management: Success in working alongside district councils, elected Members, and public‑facing bodies.
• Qualifications: A relevant technical qualification (Civil Engineering, Asset Management, or similar) and evidence of continuous professional development.

Please submit your CV to Nikki to be considered.

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please do get in contact.)

Our clients are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.