This exciting new role of Head of Business Support and Improvement is focused on guiding multi-disciplinary teams to ensure Staffordshire's highway infrastructure and services support the creation of vibrant, safe, and sustainable communities. In this role you'll promote Staffordshire County Council's vision to create places where people can prosper, be healthy, and be part of thriving communities by aligning highway service delivery to contribute to economic growth, sustainability, and resilience. You will guide highway strategy on climate change and sustainability, innovation, contract governance, performance management, safety, fleet care and depot management, amongst other cross-cutting issues and initiatives You will be based in Stafford with the ability to work flexibly and occasionally be required to attend inquiries and public meetings outside of normal working hours. Main Responsibilities In this role you'll guide highway strategy on climate change and sustainability, innovation, contract governance, performance management, safety, fleet care and depot management, amongst other cross-cutting issues and initiatives. You will also: Lead the development and implementation of frameworks for service commissioning and contract performance to ensure service and community needs are met. Ensure the appropriate governance of complex, high-value highway service delivery to maintain quality, safety, and value. Support the creation of strategies and policies to effectively manage highway services and improve their resilience. Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships and represent the council in public, including attending inquiries and community meetings as required. Guide a culture of innovation within the highways department by fostering collaboration with local, regional, national organisations and professional bodies to ensure the best standards in service delivery. The Ideal Candidate You will have: A degree or relevant experience in a related field. Substantial experience in people management, policy development, contract management, and financial oversight. Knowledge of relevant legislative requirements and experience in implementing large-scale, cost-effective service improvements. Experience working in local government or similarly complex environments. Key skills: Provide strategic direction and decision-making skills. Ability to foster innovation and handle multiple stakeholder relationships. Strong communication and problem-solving capabilities, with a focus on delivering high-quality, customer-focused services. Ability to prioritise between demands and respond flexibly to changing circumstances, whilst maintaining political awareness. Applicant shortlisting will take place week commencing Monday 3 February 2025, with applicants updated by Friday 7 February 2025. Interviews will be held week commencing Monday 24 February 2025. Don’t feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications, so please consider applying anyway. For an informal chat about the role, please contact James Bailey, Assistant Director for Highways and the Built County at james.baileystaffordshire.gov.u k. Recruitment Process We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role. About Staffordshire County Council We are no ordinary county council: Our Values: The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively. Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy: We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future. We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too. Our benefits: We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire Our recruitment process: As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.