Are you a strategic transport leader ready to make a visible impact on how people move, live and connect?
We are seeking an experienced Head of Transportation to lead a high-profile service at the heart of place-shaping, sustainability and growth. This is a unique opportunity to shape an inclusive, safe and future-focused transport network that supports climate ambitions, regeneration and quality of life for residents.
You will lead borough-wide transport, traffic and public realm functions, overseeing major capital programmes, highways development management, Transport for London (TfL) Local Implementation Plan (LIP) delivery, Vision Zero, active travel, school streets and public realm improvements. Working closely with elected Members, senior leaders, TfL and key partners, you will provide expert advice and drive delivery at scale.
As the Council's lead professional for transport, traffic and public realm, you will shape policy, secure investment, influence strategic decision-making and ensure the borough's transport network supports sustainable growth and thriving communities.
You Will:
- Lead the development and delivery of the borough's transport, traffic and public realm strategies.
- Act as the Council's principal advisor on transport planning, highways development management, parking and traffic management, active travel, road safety and public realm.
- Lead the delivery of the TfL Local Implementation Plan (LIP), Active Travel Plan, Cycling Strategy and other key transport programmes.
- Oversee major transport infrastructure, public realm and regeneration projects across the borough.
- Secure and manage external funding, including TfL grants and developer contributions.
- Drive delivery of the borough's Vision Zero and Road Safety commitments.
- Lead programmes including school streets, safer neighbourhood schemes, active travel infrastructure and accessibility improvements.
- Ensure future growth and regeneration schemes are supported by effective transport planning.
- Manage transport consultants and oversee the procurement and delivery of specialist studies and projects.
- Provide strategic advice and briefings to senior leadership, elected Members and external partners.
- Represent the Council at regional, sub-regional and national forums.
- Build strong partnerships with TfL, Heathrow Airport, neighbouring boroughs, developers, businesses, transport operators and community stakeholders.
- Champion innovation, sustainability and the decarbonisation of transport across the borough.
About You
We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking leader with a strong track record of delivering transport, highways or public realm services within a complex environment.
You will bring:
- Significant experience leading transport, highways, traffic management or public realm services.
- Strong knowledge of transport planning, highways legislation, traffic management and development management.
- Experience delivering major capital programmes and securing external funding.
- A proven ability to lead large, complex projects from concept through to delivery.
- Experience managing budgets, resources and multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong political awareness and experience working with elected Members and senior stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
- Experience building effective partnerships across organisations and sectors.
- A strategic mindset combined with a practical approach to delivery.
- A commitment to creating sustainable, accessible and inclusive transport networks.
What We Offer
- A senior leadership role with significant influence across the borough.
- The opportunity to shape transport, traffic and public realm services for one of London's largest boroughs.
- Responsibility for delivering high-profile infrastructure and regeneration programmes.
- Strong support for professional development and leadership growth.
- Flexible working arrangements and a collaborative working environment.
- The opportunity to make a lasting impact on residents, communities and the environment.
Why Hillingdon
Hillingdon is London's second largest borough, home to thriving town centres, major regeneration opportunities and nationally significant transport infrastructure, including Heathrow Airport.
With ambitious plans for growth, sustainability and place-making, this is an exciting opportunity to lead transformational transport and public realm initiatives that will shape the future of the borough.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the hiring manager.
We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:
- Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
- 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
- Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
- Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
- Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
- Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
- Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
- Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
- Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
- Trade Union Membership – The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees’ freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.
The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.
Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.
Recruitment Information
Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:
- Qualifications Check
- 2 years of Referencing
Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.
It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
