Why Southwark
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse and growing population. At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together underpins all that we do.
What You’ll Be Doing
We are looking for an experienced and strategic Group Manager – Highways Maintenance to lead our Highways Maintenance service. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for the strategic management of highways maintenance and asset management across the borough. You will lead a high‑profile service that helps keep Southwark’s roads, structures and public infrastructure safe, compliant and well maintained, while ensuring the council meets its statutory duties and wider corporate priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the highways maintenance service: Provide strategic leadership for the highways maintenance function, ensuring services are efficient, effective and aligned with council priorities.
- Managing highways infrastructure delivery: Lead the design, delivery, maintenance and improvement of highways infrastructure, including roads, drainage, flood alleviation, bridges, river walls, street furniture, winter services and inspection programmes.
- Driving asset management and investment planning: Apply asset management principles to support strategic investment planning, minimise unnecessary expenditure and ensure long‑term value for money.
- Managing contracts and procurement: Oversee highways term maintenance contracts and other contractual arrangements, including procurement strategy, tendering, specification development, contract award and ongoing contract management.
- Leading on financial management: Manage revenue, capital and grant‑funded budgets, including bidding, budget setting, allocation, profiling, monitoring and financial performance in line with council financial regulations.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone with strong technical credibility, strategic leadership skills and significant experience in highways maintenance or related infrastructure services.
You Will Bring
- Relevant qualifications: A degree, or equivalent, in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
- Professional membership: Chartered or incorporated membership of a relevant professional institution, or evidence that you are working towards this.
- Commitment to development: Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development relevant to highways maintenance, safety and contract management.
- Strong sector experience: Significant experience in highways maintenance, asset management or a related engineering portfolio.
- Leadership experience: Demonstrable experience of leading and developing multidisciplinary teams, including people management, change management and performance management.
- Service delivery experience: Proven experience contributing to the design, delivery or improvement of highways or public realm schemes.
- Contract management expertise: Strong experience managing highways term maintenance contracts, including performance, quality, safety and commercial controls.
- Financial management skills: Experience of budget control, financial governance and resource management within a highways, engineering or infrastructure environment.
- Systems and digital capability: Practical experience using Microsoft Office and relevant highways or asset management systems.
Additional Information
Recruitment Timeline
- Closing date: 31 May 2026
- Shortlisting: by Friday 5 June 2026
- Interviews: Tuesday 16 June 2026
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
This role is part of our commitment to inclusion. Qualified applicants from the following groups will be offered a guaranteed interview:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Individuals currently in care or who have previously been in care
- Disabled individuals or those with a long‑term health condition
Benefits
- Shift enhancements for out‑of‑hours and weekend working
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Competitive pension scheme
- Excellent support for learning and development
Attachments
- Job Description and Person Specification
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