Head of Service, Highways and Transportation

As the Head of Service for Highways and Transportation, you will take on a pivotal leadership role within Stockport Council. This is a career-defining opportunity for an impactful and forward-thinking individual to shape the future of transportation across the borough. You will be responsible for managing and overseeing a range of critical areas, including network management, scheme feasibility, traffic management, and transportation strategy and policy. With a £12m annual budget and supporting delivery of a £70m capital programme, you will lead on delivering key infrastructure projects that enhance the borough's connectivity and sustainability.

This role offers the unique opportunity to influence the future direction of Stockport's transportation network as the council transitions towards a more modern, sustainable, and people-focused approach. We are not just designing for movement and the economy; we are creating spaces that serve the needs of the community.

Reporting directly to the Assistant Director, you will play a crucial part in advising on major policy decisions, supporting the council's democratic processes, and representing Stockport on key regional boards. You will also work closely with elected members, portfolio holders, and key stakeholders, including TfGM and GMCA, ensuring that all transportation projects align with the borough's strategic priorities and the broader goals of Greater Manchester.

With five direct reports and a team of approximately 60 full-time employees, you will be responsible for building and developing a strong, collaborative workforce. You will have the opportunity to build on existing relationships, lead a cultural shift towards a more customer-focused service, and ensure that the team responds positively to the major shifts happening in the planning, operations and delivery of transport.

If you would enjoy the opportunity to take a major public service through a changing environment, this role will give you the autonomy to drive significant change and leave a lasting impact on the future of transportation in Stockport.

We are looking for a visionary leader with the ability to inspire and drive change. You will have a proven track record of working at a corporate level within a large and complex organisation, demonstrating strong leadership skills and the ability to manage significant budgets and large teams. Your experience in highways, infrastructure, or transportation will be critical in shaping Stockport's transport strategy, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with the council's ambitious vision.

You will need to bring a strategic mindset, combined with hands-on experience in transport planning, project feasibility, and network management. As a confident communicator, you will be adept at presenting to senior stakeholders, elected members, and external partners. Your ability to build and maintain effective relationships will be crucial in influencing key decision-makers and securing funding for future projects.

In this role, you will not just be managing the day-to-day operations but driving the future direction of Stockport's transport network. We are looking for someone who can think creatively, challenge the status quo, and lead the shift towards a more sustainable and people-centred approach to transportation. This role will require a balance of technical expertise and strong people management skills, as you will be responsible for leading a diverse team through a period of significant change.

A professional qualification in engineering, transport planning, or a related field (e.g., MICE, CIHT, RTPI, or MAPM) is highly desirable, we are open to candidates with equivalent experience from both the public and private sectors.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a council that is at the forefront of change, with the chance to lead a service that will have a lasting impact on the borough and its residents. If you are an ambitious, creative, and confident leader looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council is a forward-thinking, community-driven organisation committed to delivering exceptional public services. As a council, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration, where employees are our most valuable asset. Our mission is to provide high-quality services that meet the needs of our residents and ensure Stockport remains a thriving place to live, work, and visit. With a strong focus on modernising services and achieving long-term sustainability, Stockport Council values creativity, ambition, and a strong team spirit in everything we do.

We are financially stable and are recognised for our proactive approach to capturing scheme funding, allowing us to invest in ambitious infrastructure projects. Our strategic partnerships with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) ensure that we are always at the forefront of regional transportation planning and delivery.

Stockport is a place that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. We are proud to hold accreditations such as Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant, and we actively support the wellbeing of our employees through flexible working arrangements, hybrid working options, and a commitment to work-life balance.