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Head of Highways

Job Summary
Contract Type:
Permanent
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
21/01/2026
Advert End Date:
20/02/2026 23:59
Salary:
SM3 £83,663 - £88,633
Allowances:
n/a
Hours per week:
37
Job Category:
Traffic / Highways / Road Safety
Vacancy ID:
291076
Employment Location:
The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, various ‘spoke’ offices throughout the North East and remote working arrangements
Post Number:
NECA/26/006
Number of posts:
1
Closing date:
20 Feb
Further Information
Lead the Future of Highways in the North East!

We are seeking an exceptional leader to fill the Head of Highways position at the North East Combined Authority. This is a unique opportunity to take on a region-wide strategic leadership role, you will play a pivotal part in driving innovation and excellence, aligning our highways function with the North East CA’s strategic priorities and vision.
 
As Head of Highways, you will provide expert guidance and leadership, overseeing complex programmes, co-ordinating activities and managing resources to deliver value for money. Working closely with senior leaders, local authorities, and national partners, you will shape how the North East plans, funds, and delivers its highways priorities, ensuring the region’s highways network is safe, resilient and meets the needs of our communities, businesses and economy.

This role demands a forward-thinking professional with strong strategic insight and the ability to forge effective partnerships. You will build and lead a high-performing team, champion continuous improvement, and drive collaborative workstreams to create a safer, more resilient, better-connected network that supports inclusive growth, decarbonisation and regional prosperity.
 
If you are passionate about shaping the future of transport and making a lasting impact on the region, we want to hear from you.
 
We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in senior roles, including women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
 
To Apply
If you would like an informal discussion, or further information about this role please contact:

Jonathan Bailes, Assistant Director of Transport Programmes and Investment Planning by email: Jonathan.bailes@northeast-ca.gov.uk
 
Closing date for applications: 20th February 2026 at 23:59.
 
For further information about the North East Combined Authority please see the authority’s website www.northeast-ca.gov.uk.

This recruitment is being administered by Durham County Council on behalf of the North East Combined Authority.
 
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