Head of Highway Operations
- Derbyshire
- Interim
- Full-time
- Location: Derbyshire, England
- Salary: £0.00 - 75.60 per hour + None
- Category
- Sector:
- Contract type Contract
- Consultant: Robert Otter
Rate: £75.60 per hour | 4 days per week | 8 hours per day | Contract via Morson | Expenses for site visits & travel outside the officeMorson is recruiting for an experienced Head of Highway Operations to provide strategic leadership and direction for a major public sector highways service. This is an exciting interim opportunity to shape service delivery, drive innovation, and ensure value for money across a broad range of construction, maintenance, and operational activities on the highway network.About the RoleYou will provide vision, strategic direction, and visible leadership for a large highways operations service (c.200 staff), ensuring delivery against agreed service plan outcomes. The role combines responsibility for internal teams and the management of external supply chain partners, fostering a culture of safety, excellence, and continuous improvement.This is a highly influential position, deputising for senior leadership where required, and collaborating with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders including elected members, partner agencies, contractors, and local communities.Key Responsibilities
- Lead all highway construction, maintenance, and related operations.
- Champion a right first time ethos, driving high standards in service delivery.
- Manage health, safety, quality, and environmental performance to industry-leading standards.
- Develop a sustainable delivery model that balances internal capability with external frameworks.
- Implement a robust resourcing strategy, including succession planning and talent development.
- Oversee commercial, cost control, and contractual compliance functions.
- Ensure effective risk management and process audits.
- Lead adverse weather and emergency response operations.
- Maintain positive industrial relations with unions and foster a collaborative working culture.
- Proven senior-level experience in highways or large-scale infrastructure operations.
- Strong track record in health, safety, quality, and environmental management.
- Commercial acumen and experience managing multi-million-pound budgets.
- Strategic leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and partnership skills.
- Rate: £75.60 per hour (Umbrella)
- Hours: 4 days per week, 8 hours per day
- Contract: Interim via Morson