This is an exceptional opportunity to lead one of the North West's most strategically important highways and infrastructure services at a pivotal moment for the region.
Organisation
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Location
Chester, Ellesmere Port, Northwich, Winsford
Job Category
Corporate Leadership, Highways and Transport
Grade
CWAC JNC - Grade 17
Salary Min
£89,589 per annum
Salary Max
£98,927 per annum
Employment Type
Permanent
Lead the Network. Shape the Region. Deliver Lasting Impact
As Cheshire West and Chester Council enters a new era, and as an integral part of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, highways and infrastructure are at the heart of delivering sustainable economic growth, housing, connectivity, resilience and decarbonisation. Reporting directly to the Director of Transport, Highways and Climate Change, you will lead a high-profile service responsible for highways infrastructure delivery, asset and network management, structures, traffic signals, climate adaptation and flood risk management.
Make a Difference Every Day
This is a role with significant statutory responsibility and public visibility. You will provide assurance to elected members, senior leaders and residents that the Council's highway infrastructure is being managed safely, effectively and responsibly.
As the Council's lead professional for highways and infrastructure, you will ensure compliance with the Highways Act, New Roads and Street Works Act, Traffic Management Act and associated health and safety legislation. Balancing long-term strategic ambition with operational accountability, you will protect the travelling public, maintain network resilience and oversee the management of some of the Council's most significant assets.
Lead with Confidence
From responding to major incidents, severe weather and network disruption, to defending the Council's position on statutory compliance and public liability matters, you will provide calm, confident leadership in complex and highly visible situations.
Your ability to build trust, communicate clearly and make sound decisions under pressure will be key to maintaining public confidence and organisational resilience.
Deliver Major Investment and Lasting Impact
You will oversee major capital investment programmes, ensuring funding from the Council, Department for Transport and Combined Authority translates into tangible improvements for residents, businesses and communities.
You will ensure schemes are delivered safely on time and on budget, while supporting inward investment, economic growth and the Council's wider strategic ambitions.
Drive Performance Through People and Partnerships
Leading large multidisciplinary teams and managing the Council's largest delivery contract, valued at more than £200 million, you will drive performance, innovation and continuous improvement.
You will champion a proactive, risk-based approach to asset management, ensuring robust inspection regimes, effective emergency responses and strong governance. Through effective partnership working and commercial leadership, you will help safeguard the Council's reputation while delivering excellent outcomes.
Shape the Future of the Region
Working closely with elected members, senior colleagues, government agencies and regional partners, including National Highways and Network Rail, you will play a leading role in shaping transport and infrastructure priorities across Cheshire and Warrington.
You will influence regional investment decisions while ensuring high-quality day-to-day services for residents, businesses and visitors.
To learn more about the role please visit: https://www.cwcrecruitment.co.uk/head-of-highways
For an informal confidential conversation, please contact our consultants at Penna:
Recruitment Timeline:
- Applications Closing Date: 23:59pm on Sunday 13th September 2026
- Longlist Meeting (candidates not required): 17th September 2026
- Preliminary Interviews: 22nd September 2026
- Shortlist Meeting (candidates not required): W/C 28th September 2026
- Final Panel Interviews: W/C 5th October 2026
To find out more information about what it is like to work for Cheshire West and Chester Council including our rewards and benefits please see www.cwcrecruitment.co.uk
No candidate will meet every single requirement - if your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you!
Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment. Please see the Equality Policy for more information.
Cheshire West and Chester Council have adopted a Local Living Wage for our employees which means that all employees will receive a minimum of £13.45 per hour for all contracted hours.
For any technical enquiries please email [email protected] and quote job reference number in all correspondence.
