Head of Transport

Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to lead the transport and lead local flood authority services that keep Gateshead moving, ensuring safe, modern and sustainable infrastructure for residents, businesses and communities?
If that sounds like you, keep reading – we might be the perfect match.

These roles form part of a wider organisational redesign to ensure the Council is structured to deliver high-quality, efficient services for the people of Gateshead. This supports our commitment to putting residents at the heart of everything we do and enabling everyone in our borough to thrive.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. We are embarking on a major transformation of our infratsructure network tied in with our regeneration framework of which demolition of our old flyover is just the start.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises the skills you bring, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work/life balance. With flexible and hybrid working available alongside an excellent range of employee benefits, we’re confident it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Supporting services that make a difference to our communities

Our Planning & Transport Service plays a vital role in shaping how Gateshead grows, moves and connects. From developing transport strategy and engineering design, to managing the local network, delivering capital schemes, fulfilling Lead Local Flood Authority responsibilities and overseeing parking and highway enforcement, the service helps create safe, accessible and well connected places that support residents, businesses and the wider economy.
As Head of Transport, you will lead the delivery and continuous improvement of these key functions, ensuring modern, resilient transport infrastructure, strong regulatory compliance, effective partnership working and high quality services that enable sustainable travel and support economic growth across the borough. You will be bringing together 3 services under new management arrangements at a time of major physical and organisational change. Strong transformational leadership will be required.

What you will get to do

In this senior leadership role, you will:

• Lead the provision of transport services to ensure the Council meets its statutory and non statutory responsibilities.
• Manage employees, budgets, assets and performance to deliver efficient, modern and effective services.
• Make decisions under delegated powers on transport matters.
• Lead and contribute to corporate initiatives, ensuring services adapt to meet Council priorities.
• Work across Council services and contribute to wider organisational priorities as part of the senior leadership team.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners to align service delivery and drive improvement.
• Provide expert guidance and advice to Members, committees and senior officers on transport, engineering and regulatory matters.
• Motivate and inspire teams to deliver high quality services and support corporate objectives.
• Ensure all operations comply with legislation, the Council’s constitution, policies and professional standards.
• Respond to media and public enquiries in partnership with the Communications Team.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of Planning & Transport services and the wider Economy, Innovation & Growth group.
• Represent Gateshead nationally, regionally and locally on transport and engineering matters.
• Oversee delivery of the capital programme and ensure compliance with LLFA responsibilities.
• Lead emergency planning arrangements for transport related incidents.
• Deputise for the Service Director and Strategic Director as required.
• Manage our funding and infrastructure strategy

What you will bring

• A professional qualification in a relevant transport or engineering discipline.
• Extensive post qualification experience across transport, engineering or related fields.
• Senior leadership and budget management experience within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of local authority legislation, committees, procedures and delegated decision making.
• Demonstrable experience of delivering performance improvement, major projects and programme management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and engagement skills, including presenting to Members and representing the Council at regional and national level.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and manage diverse teams and organise change across multiple disciplines.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides:
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.