Join to apply for the Head of Highways Operations role at Derbyshire County Council

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Head of Highways Operations role at Derbyshire County Council

Derbyshire County Council provided pay range

This range is provided by Derbyshire County Council. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from Derbyshire County Council

Customer Service Specialist at Derbyshire County Council

Here at Derbyshire County Council, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services to make them fit for the future and allow us to invest effectively in our network. As we begin to implement our new structure, we have an exciting leadership opportunity as the head of our new operations service.

We are committed to the long-term development of our internal delivery capability and our new service will establish a commercial model which reflects its strategic importance in our service. Our Operations Service will undertake construction as well as planned and reactive maintenance activities across our diverse highway network. It will also provide an effective winter service and help us respond to weather and other emergencies.

This role will report to the Assistant Director Highways Delivery but will work closely with the whole highways team as well as the wider Place directorate to deliver effective, efficient and value for money service delivery.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the Highway Operations Service in the delivery of all construction, maintenance, and related tasks on the highway network. This includes provision of an adverse weather and emergency works service, both in an outside of normal working hours.
• Creation and operation of a mature commercial function which controls overhead and operational costs.
• Ensure that instructed projects, tasks and activities are delivered taking account of best practice, agreed specifications and standards.
• Overall accountability for the Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental performance of the Operations Service.
• Maintain a forward programme of work which aligns with a resourcing strategy which provides for the Service’s short-term needs whilst ensuring that the Service develops the resilience and skills needed for the future.
• Provide strategic leadership on the management of the construction supply chain.

We are looking for someone with:

• Relevant professional qualification plus significant senior level experience in a similar work environment or extensive highways related experience backed by evidence of appropriate specialist knowledge.
• Experience in leading a service through a period of change and developing a sustainable business model.
• An ability to apply the principles of effective public sector commissioning to objectively assess need, based on evidence and information, and make strategic decisions in relation to Service priorities, work schedules and programmes.
• Substantial and wide-ranging understanding of the construction, operation, and maintenance processes which are applied across all areas relevant to a Highway Authority.
• Substantial experience of growing and managing a team, motivating staff, achieving organisational goals and budget management.
• Programme and project management skills to build high levels of confidence in the delivery of complex and/or high value projects.
• Flexi Time Scheme: Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.
• Generous Annual Leave Scheme: Ensures a healthy work-life balance.
• Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in-house counselling.
• Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
• Electric/Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme: Encourages environmentally friendly commuting options.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.

This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be to subject service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re ready to take the lead in delivering structural excellence across Derbyshire, we’d love to hear from you!

How to Apply:

Submit your CV and a covering statement outlining your suitability for the role, please include how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and requirements set out in the Job and Person Profile.

Closing date: Sunday 20th July 2025

Provisional Interview Date: Thursday 31st July 2025

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management

• Industries

  Government Administration

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Derbyshire County Council by 2x

Get notified about new Head of Operations jobs in Matlock, England, United Kingdom.

Field, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

South Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom 3 months ago

Sheffield, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago

South Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago

Derby, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago

Sheffield, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago

Nottingham, England, United Kingdom 4 weeks ago

Rotherham, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago

Head of Commercial & Operations, NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE

Nottinghamshire, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Burton Upon Trent, England, United Kingdom 5 months ago

Derby, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Nottingham, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Alton, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Tibshelf, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Nottingham, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago

Worksop, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago

Chief Executive Officer, NFP People on behalf of Over the Wall Camp

Ockbrook, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Ilkeston, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Head of Quality Health Safety & Environmental (QHSE)

South Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

Head of IT - Hands-On - Functional & Technical

Sheffield, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Deputy Head of Pensions Finance & Payroll

Chesterfield, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago

Contract Management / Procurement Specialist

Derby, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago

Head of Commercial (F&B), CHARITY PEOPLE

Rotherham, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago

Nottingham, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Nottingham, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

Sheffield, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago

Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago

Rotherham, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Sutton In Ashfield, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Sheffield, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.