Transformation Lead – Highways – AR

Transformation Lead – Highways

Location: Wokingham
Contract: Initial 6 months, with potential to extend

Job Purpose

Wokingham Borough Council is seeking an experienced Highways and Transport professional to support the Service Director of Highways and Transport in delivering a major transformation programme. The Council is reviewing how its Highways Services are delivered, with the aim of developing a new operating model that supports the borough’s continued growth, transport needs and wider strategic objectives.

The successful candidate will play a key role in reshaping service delivery, reviewing existing contractual arrangements and determining which services should be delivered in-house and which should continue to be provided by specialist contractors.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Service Director in developing and implementing a new Highways and Transport operating model.
• Lead strategic service transformation, including planning for in-house delivery and the mobilisation of new service arrangements.
• Oversee the review of existing highways contracts and support future market engagement and procurement activity.
• Apply extensive experience of both in-house service delivery and large-scale contract management.
• Work with senior council leaders and stakeholders to develop practical, sustainable service delivery arrangements.
• Ensure the transformation programme supports the Council’s wider objectives, including economic growth, road safety, carbon reduction and improved public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure.
• Help prepare the service for the expiry of the existing WSP professional services and Volker Highways maintenance contracts in March 2029, subject to any extensions.

Essential Requirements

• Extensive senior-level experience within Highways and Transport Services.
• Previous experience as a Director, Assistant Director, Head of Highways and Transport or in a comparable senior leadership position.
• Experience working within a local authority, ideally a large unitary council.
• Demonstrable experience of large-scale organisational change and service transformation within a highways and transport environment.
• Strong experience of both in-house service delivery and managing major highways contracts.
• Strategic leadership skills, with the ability to challenge existing arrangements and develop new approaches to service delivery.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A relevant professional qualification, such as Chartered Engineer status or an equivalent professional qualification, is desirable.

Contract Details

The initial assignment is expected to last six months, working approximately three days per week. The role may continue beyond the initial period, as the wider transformation programme is expected to extend towards the expiry of the current contracts in 2029. The workload may vary depending on the stage of the programme.

Corporate programme management support will be available to assist with the delivery and coordination of the change programme.

About Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham is a growing and economically prosperous borough, with increasing demand on its highways and transport network. The Council is committed to ensuring its transport infrastructure supports future housing and employment growth, improves connectivity, promotes sustainable travel and reduces pressure on existing roads.

This role offers an opportunity for an experienced highways leader to help shape the future of local authority highways service delivery and support a significant programme of strategic change.