Head of Design Services

Job Introduction

About the Role

You will lead the delivery of a high-performing Technical Services Partnership (TSP). You will work in close collaboration with our external provider to ensure TSP is strategically aligned, operationally effective, and consistently delivers high-quality, fit-for-purpose outcomes.

TSP is the Lincolnshire-led highway design and specialist asset management service, combining Lincolnshire's Design Services with the Professional Services Partner. As a 'mixed economy', TSP's unique feature is the integration of public and private sector staff in co-located management and team structures. The arrangement also means that Lincolnshire benefits from a 'top-up' arrangement to access a full range of specialists such as transport planners, ecologists, rail experts etc.

TSP provides the following key services in any mix of specialisms (major projects, roads, traffic signals, structures, street lighting, signs and markings and drainage): problem investigation, concept development, feasibility, design, procurement and supervision. TSP is also commissioned to undertake specialist asset management in the areas of structures, street lighting and traffic signals. In addition, TSP undertakes checking of designs and inspection on site for S278 and specialist work on S38 schemes to ensure the requirements of the authority are met by the developer and also provides specialist technical functions for Lincolnshire as Lead Local Flood Authority.

You will be accountable for TSP, ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality, innovative, and cost-efficient engineering design solutions. This role is responsible for strategic leadership, operational excellence, and the development of strong partnerships to support the Council’s infrastructure objectives.

About the Team

You’ll be joining a highly collaborative and forward-thinking management team working under the Place Directorate, reporting to the Assistant Director for Highways. You will play a key role in shaping highways leadership.  As a core member of the highway’s leadership team, you’ll collaborate with peers to drive innovation, tackle emerging challenges, and lead transformational change. Your focus will be on delivering smarter, more efficient services that offer real value for money to the people of Lincolnshire.

You will work closely with fellow Heads of Service to ensure the delivery of a high-performing, integrated highways function. Together, the team supports both strategic development and the day-to-day resilience of the network, responding to local needs, policy direction, and emerging challenges.

The role also involves close engagement with our Executive, elected members, stakeholders, and communities, ensuring a transparent, responsive service that supports Lincolnshire’s broader growth, safety, and environmental ambitions.

About You

You’ll be an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in leading a highways design service.  You will have accountability for the delivery of capital and infrastructure design projects, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, safety standards, and best practices.  This will include the financial responsibility for managing a Trading Account.

You’ll have a strategic mindset and the ability to lead complex, high-impact services while managing performance, people, and resources effectively.  You will be responsible for the operation of effective frameworks for Quality Assurance, using agreed appropriate performance standards and review processes with partners, and monitor delivery against agreed performance targets.

You’ll be confident representing the council at public meetings, inquiries, and with the media, and have the political awareness and communication skills to work closely with the Executive, elected members and partners. Your ability to manage budgets, drive value for money, and identify innovative improvements will be key.

Above all, you'll be passionate about delivering excellent public services and making a positive difference to communities across Lincolnshire.

About Our Offer

Along with a competitive salary we are offering:

• “Green book” Local Government terms and conditions
• Access to Local Government Pension scheme (contribution rate of approx. 24%)
• Comprehensive benefi ts package including salary sacrifi ce for cars, cycles, plusexcellent discount schemes
• 37 hour working week (as full time) including fl exible and hybrid working
• A generous leave entitlement with a minimum of 28 days plus bank holidays and theoption to buy more
• Free financial wellbeing advice
• Further details can be found here: Rewards and benefits – Lincolnshire CountyCouncil

If this sounds like the role for you, then please read through the full Job Description, before clicking apply! If you would like to know more about Lincolnshire County Council and our current vacancies then click on over to www.lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Applications will close on 14/09/25 and interviews will take place 10/10/25

For a confidential and informal discussion about the role please contact:

Karen Cassar - Assistant Director Highways via email karen.cassar@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Best of luck with your application

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. 

You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Politically Restricted Position

Under The Local Government and Housing Act 1989, as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, this post has been identified as 'politically restricted'. Further information on the Council’s Politically Restricted Posts Policy can be viewed here.