Location
Guildford, Surrey

Hours
36 hours per week

Salary
Starting salary £63,823 per annum

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Highway Maintenance & Street Lighting Manager to lead the delivery of key highway maintenance services across Surrey. This critical operational leadership role involves managing teams, contractors, and major service contracts, including acting as the Council’s senior manager for the long-term PFI street lighting contract valued at approximately £20 million per annum.

You will provide operational leadership for drainage, road markings, traffic signs, street furniture, street lighting, and illuminated assets. Responsibilities include overseeing maintenance contracts, ensuring services are safe, efficient, and aligned with Council priorities. The role blends strategic planning, contract management, budget oversight, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership of around 10 staff.

Key priorities include improving asset management, strengthening contractor performance, ensuring value for money, and maintaining high standards of resident safety and customer satisfaction. A major focus will be supporting Surrey’s preparations for Local Government Reorganisation and the transition to new unitary authorities in 2027, reviewing services, contracts, assets, and governance arrangements to ensure continuity and successful implementation.

This is a visible leadership role with significant influence over the condition, safety, and resilience of Surrey’s highway network, one of the County’s most valuable assets.

Our Offer to You
26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
A generous local government salary-related pension
Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
Learning and development hub with extensive resources
Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About Us
The Place Directorate plays a central role in shaping Surrey’s future by facilitating safe and reliable journeys, delivering sustainable infrastructure, and maintaining the County’s £7.5 billion highway network effectively. Highways, Transport & Network Management is the most publicly visible service we deliver, and this role is central to its success.

Why Join Us?
Influence one of the most high-profile services Surrey County Council delivers
Lead major service contracts and collaborate with local Members and community partners
Play a key role in delivering safe, sustainable, and reliable infrastructure for residents
Be part of a supportive, highly skilled, and forward-thinking Highways service

Experience
Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience with substantial senior experience in highway maintenance, infrastructure, or asset management.
Proven leadership of teams and large-scale contracts with a strong track record of driving contractor performance and value for money.
Strong operational understanding of highway maintenance, including data analysis, risk management, and service improvement delivery.
Experience managing significant budgets and presenting technical information clearly to varied audiences.
Excellent stakeholder and communication skills.
Full UK driving licence and ability to travel across Surrey for site visits.

About You
Forward-thinking and proactive leader with excellent team management skills.
Ability to engage and collaborate effectively with Councillors, contractors, partner organisations, and residents.
Strong strategic thinker with a focus on continuous improvement and delivering organisational objectives.
Willingness and ability to travel around the county to meet role demands.

Qualifications
Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience relevant to highway maintenance and asset management.