Jobs

Shape the future of Highways and Transport in Essex.

Essex is on the Government’s Priority Programme for Local Government Reform, one of the most ambitious and complex reform programmes in the UK. At the heart of this radical transformation is a bold vision: to reshape local government and public service delivery across Greater Essex including the creation of a Mayoral Combined County Authority. By 2028 there will be the reorganisation of the current two-tier system of fifteen Councils into five new unitary councils.

This is a defining leadership opportunity to shape the future of Highways and Transport in Essex at a moment of profound change. Highways and Transport is a strategic enabler for Essex’s economy and communities, connecting people to jobs, education and essential services across a large, diverse and predominantly rural county. With one of the largest highway networks in England and responsibility for the biggest highways maintenance contract in the country, this is a nationally significant service with daily impact on residents’ lives.

The context for this appointment is clear. Essex is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation, with new unitary authorities expected to come into being from April 2028. This role sits at the heart of that transition. The incoming Director will be responsible not only for leading a high‑profile service today, but also for designing, stabilising and safely disaggregating highways and transport functions so that successor authorities inherit services that are operationally robust, legally compliant and financially sound from day one.

Over the past two years the Council has strengthened its grip on leadership, performance and programme management across the service. New Heads of Service are in place, relationships with corporate functions are strong, and there is a clear focus on delivery, governance and commercial discipline. This creates a robust platform, but the next phase requires an accomplished leader who can operate confidently in a fluid, politically complex environment.

You will lead a £400m+ portfolio covering highways maintenance, network development, passenger transport, bus services, sustainable transport and emerging mobility solutions. You will act as the Council’s senior professional advisor on highways and transport, oversee major procurement and mobilisation activity, and sponsor complex programmes through to delivery.

About you

This role is about people as much as infrastructure - you will need to engage and support a skilled workforce through uncertainty and work constructively with Members, partners and contractors. Crucially, you must recognise that this council, and its partners, remain accountable for delivering safe and effective services right up to the moment of transition. We are seeking a leader who understands what they are stepping into: someone with deep highways and transport credibility, strong programme and commercial instincts, and the personal authority to lead through reorganisation at pace. You will be a relationship‑builder, a clear decision‑maker, and an experienced system leader, comfortable holding the line while shaping what comes next.

For the right individual, this is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most important services in local government, influence the future shape of public services in Essex, and position yourself for senior executive leadership in the next generation of local government.

For a confidential discussion about your suitability, or for more information, please contact our retained partners at GatenbySanderson: Frazer Thouard (frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com) and Delicia Coutinho (delicia.coutinho@gatenbysanderson.com).

Closing date: 11:55pm, Sunday 31st May 2026

Company: Essex County Council

Salary: Up to £131,351

Location: Essex, Essex

Sector: Corporate Services

Sector: Corporate Management Team

Sector: Highways

Job Role: Director