Strategic Manager (Highways & Transport) - Council

Role: Strategic Manager (Highways & Transport) REF 138276
Contract Length: Until 26/03/27
Location: Swindon
IR35: Inside
Pay Rate to Intermediary: £500 per day
Security Clearance: Standard

About the Role

Spinwell is recruiting for a Strategic Manager (Highways & Transport) for an excellent opportunity within the public sector.

To provide strategic and operational support to the Head of Highways and Transport, acting as a senior subject matter expert across all highways and transportation functions. The role is responsible for supporting the effective planning, management and delivery of highways and transport services through leadership of business planning, financial management, capital programmes, grant funding, performance management, procurement, contract management and operational service improvement.

The postholder will act as a key advisor and delivery lead, ensuring the service operates effectively, meets statutory obligations, delivers value for money and achieves corporate priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Support

• Act as principal support to the Head of Highways and Transport across all aspects of service planning and delivery.
• Deputise for the Head of Service as required at internal and external meetings.
• Support the development and implementation of service strategies, policies and business plans.
• Provide professional advice and challenge on highways and transport matters.
• Lead and coordinate service improvement initiatives and transformation programmes.
• Ensure alignment between service objectives, corporate priorities and available resources.

Financial and Budget Management

• Support the development, management and monitoring of revenue and capital budgets.
• Ensure robust financial governance and effective budget control arrangements.
• Oversee financial forecasting, budget monitoring and reporting processes.
• Identify and implement opportunities for efficiency and value for money.
• Support the preparation of business cases and investment proposals.
• Monitor externally funded programmes and ensure compliance with funding conditions and grant requirements.

Programme and Project Management

• Lead the governance, planning and delivery of capital investment programmes.
• Oversee highways maintenance, transport and infrastructure programmes to ensure delivery to time, cost and quality requirements.
• Maintain programme reporting arrangements and performance monitoring.
• Support prioritisation and resource allocation across competing projects.
• Ensure risks, dependencies and issues are effectively managed and escalated.

Commercial, Procurement and Contract Management

• Lead strategic procurement activity across highways and transport services.
• Support the commissioning and management of highways term maintenance and professional services contracts.
• Ensure compliance with public procurement regulations and council procedures.
• Monitor supplier and contractor performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Support the development of contract strategies and commercial approaches that deliver value for money.
• Provide advice on NEC and other contractual arrangements.

Highways and Transport Operations

• Provide subject matter expertise across highways maintenance, network management, traffic management, transport planning and related service areas.
• Support operational performance across highways and transport functions.
• Challenge and review service performance to ensure delivery of statutory duties and service standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve service resilience, performance and customer satisfaction.
• Support responses to complex operational, political and stakeholder issues.

Governance and Performance

• Lead performance management arrangements for the service.
• Develop and maintain performance indicators and reporting frameworks.
• Prepare reports, briefings and presentations for senior management, elected members and committees.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, standards and local authority governance requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and the implementation of recommendations.

Stakeholder Management

• Build effective relationships with elected members, government departments, funding bodies, contractors, neighbouring authorities and key stakeholders.
• Represent the service at regional and national forums.
• Support engagement with residents, businesses and community groups.
• Manage politically sensitive issues professionally and effectively.

Responsibilities for People

• Lead, motivate and develop staff within areas of responsibility.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ensure effective workforce planning and succession planning arrangements.
• Support coaching and professional development across the service.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Strategic planning and service development.
• Financial analysis and budget management.
• Programme and project management.
• Commercial awareness and contract management.
• Leadership and stakeholder management.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Risk management and problem solving.
• Data analysis and performance reporting.
• Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience in a relevant discipline.
• Relevant professional qualification or substantial experience in highways, transportation, engineering, project management or related field.

• Chartered status with an appropriate professional body.
• PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ or equivalent programme/project management qualification.
• CIPS qualification or significant procurement experience.
• Management qualification (ILM, CMI or equivalent).

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