The City of London Corporation’s Highways Department is at the heart of maintaining and improving one of the world’s most iconic and dynamic cities. At the core of the Square Mile, we are responsible for ensuring the city's infrastructure runs smoothly, efficiently, and sustainably. If you’re an experienced and visionary leader ready to tackle complex projects, navigate political landscapes, and shape the future of the City of London’s transport network, then this is the opportunity for you.

As the Assistant Director for Highways, you will lead a talented team responsible for maintaining and improving the highways that serve millions every day. You’ll manage critical areas such as road resurfacing, drainage systems, and street lighting, ensuring the City’s infrastructure meets the demands of its vibrant economy. But this role is about more than just maintenance; you will also play a key role in the strategic planning and delivery of major projects that will shape the City for years to come. From major roadworks to creating solutions for the future, you will be at the forefront of delivering innovative infrastructure solutions.

In addition to your technical expertise, you’ll be responsible for overseeing significant financial budgets and managing multi-million-pound contracts. You will ensure that key performance indicators are met, contractors are held to account, and all projects are delivered to the highest standards. You’ll also navigate the complexities of governance and political sensitivities, engaging with senior leadership and local authorities to align on strategic goals.

One of the most exciting aspects of this role is your involvement in the coordination of major public events. From the grandeur of the Lord Mayor’s Show to the spectacle of the London Marathon, you will lead the team in ensuring seamless traffic management and infrastructure support during these iconic events. Working with Transport for London, local authorities, and other stakeholders, you will ensure smooth road closures, transport management, and event coordination, all while managing the unique challenges each event brings.

This is a senior leadership role that combines both technical expertise and strategic thinking. You will manage a team of around 50 professionals, including group managers and specialists, guiding them to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions across highways and transport management. You will have the opportunity to lead in an environment where no two days are the same, and where the stakes are high – all while making a lasting impact on the City’s infrastructure and transport networks.

We are looking for someone with extensive experience in highway maintenance and civil engineering. You should be a qualified Civil Engineer (or equivalent) with a proven track record in managing large-scale infrastructure projects. Your ability to manage complex, high-profile contracts and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders is key to your success in this role. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, as you will be expected to work with senior stakeholders, contractors, and the public, ensuring clear and effective communication across all areas of the department.

If you’re passionate about shaping the future of London’s infrastructure, excited by the challenges of managing complex projects, and ready to lead a dedicated team of professionals, then we’d love to hear from you.

Further Information:

• Working Hours: Full-time, Monday – Friday (with flexibility)
• Location: Your primary locations will be the Guildhall, City of London and sites within the Square Mile. Remote work is available in accordance with the current corporate policy, allowing up to two days per week.

For more information or to discuss this opportunity further, please contact our recruitment partner at GatenbySanderson, Kembi Coakelin at Kembi.Coakelin@GatenbySanderson.com.

The City of London Corporation is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all individuals who share our vision of a dynamic and sustainable urban landscape.

Closing date: 2 February 2025