If you want to lead a major infrastructure project and have a track record in managing the delivery of major complex highway schemes in multi-partner environments, then this may be the perfect role for you.
We are looking for Head of Delivery to be accountable for leading and managing design, mobilisation and construction of major highway schemes in the region, covering highways, bus, interchange, and/or active travel. This is a critical role for the organisation as we go through an exciting period of change, establishing a multi-modal Delivery Directorate and strive to be a best-in-class delivery authority.
You will be a technical and delivery expert, shaping and overseeing design activities, overseeing large construction contracts and working across the construction supply chain to ensure delivery certainty. You will also have a track record in building and maintaining strong stakeholder and partnership relationships to foster a one team mindset in delivery.
This is a highly challenging and demanding role, requiring a strong technical leader able to work at formidable pace to drive projects forward in complex stakeholder environment whilst managing multiple competing technical workstreams.
This role will be integral to supporting Transport for West Midlands’ delivery of multiple sustainable transport projects across the region. Sustainable Transport investment in highways forms a major part of Transport for West Midlands £2.2Bn capital programme and you will be responsible for an estimated annual spend of c. £60m.
What will you be doing?
- Lead a multi-agency team, overseeing detailed development and construction activities of major highway infrastructure projects, covering bus priority, active travel and interchanges.
- Establish, build and maintain collaborative relationships with West Midlands Combined Authority colleagues, relevant local authorities, funding bodies and other stakeholders.
- Manage and direct the activities and performance of consultants, professional services suppliers and contractors.
- Provide technical leadership of the development, management and utilisation of major construction contracts.
- Lead the preparation and delivery of reports for senior management, elected members, West Midlands Combined Authority committees, programme boards and Local Cabinet.
- Manage budgets and ensure that financial administration, monitoring and reporting is of the highest standard.
- Manage direct reports.
About you.
- Experience of developing, managing and delivering large scale, multi-faceted and technically complex engineering projects, preferably within a public context
- Demonstrable experience in managing challenging stakeholders and partners both internally and externally.
- Ability to build and maintain effective partnerships and influence senior stakeholders across a large, complex organisation.
- Significant experience of cogent report writing and briefing to senior executives
- Senior line management experience.
- Extensive experience of commissioning technical services through the procurement and management of the supply chain
- Knowledge and experience of managing Local Authority powers and processes.
- Previous experience of working in a sensitive political environment
- A strong understanding of safety requirements and experience of managing projects in a safety critical environment.
- Have a well-grounded knowledge of project costs and be able to benchmark against good practice.
- Demonstrable and thorough working knowledge of NEC4 and NEC3 contract options.
How to apply.
On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will be prompted to create an account. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV, which will be used to auto-populate your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have applied. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to format your profile so that it really stands out. Make sure to include your employment history and include any essential education and qualifications. You will be asked to provide a supporting statement. If you already have one that you have prepared earlier, you can simply copy and paste this into the application form.
Reasonable adjustments.
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Salary and benefits.
We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme, 28 days of paid annual leave, Cycle to Work Scheme, and discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers. For more details, please visit the benefits page on our careers site.
Hybrid working, location and working pattern.
We believe hybrid working is the best way for our organisation to fulfil our commitment to a modern, agile workplace while continuing to provide a great service to our customers. Hybrid working means having flexibility between working in the office and at home on agreed days, where a role allows.
The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 3 days a week spent in the office.
Creating an inclusive workplace.
We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We believe that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.
We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future that we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.
Right to Work in the UK
Applicants will need to evidence that they have the legal right to work in the UK. If we make an offer of employment, we will need to check that you are eligible to work in the UK before you start work.
Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for the post by assessing their circumstances against criteria specified on the gov.uk website.
Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.
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