Head of Technical Services

Head of Technical Services
Are you ready to lead at the forefront of highways design and engineering, shaping how major infrastructure schemes are delivered from concept through to construction? This is a standout opportunity for a Head of Technical Services to take ownership of a critical function, influence strategy at leadership level, and drive technical excellence across a diverse engineering portfolio.
My client is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Technical Services who can combine strategic leadership with deep technical expertise, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and innovative design solutions across complex infrastructure programmes.
 
You will be joining a well-established infrastructure organisation where technical quality, collaboration, and innovation sit at the heart of delivery. As a key member of the leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping design strategy, supporting organisational objectives, and influencing the future direction of infrastructure development.
 
As the Head of Technical Services, you will be doing the following:
·Providing strategic leadership across all design and engineering functions within pre-construction
·Acting as the senior technical authority, setting and maintaining engineering standards and best practice
·Overseeing highways design, ensuring delivery of high-quality, compliant designs from concept through to construction
·Leading S38 and S278 Technical Approval processes, ensuring developer-led infrastructure meets adoption standards
·Driving excellence across multidisciplinary teams including structures, street lighting and intelligent transport systems
·Embedding robust design governance, risk management, and compliance with national standards and legislation
·Leading workforce planning, capability development, and professional progression including chartership pathways
·Managing budgets, forecasts, and commercial performance across technical services and consultancy functions
·Strengthening relationships with local authorities, developers, and key stakeholders
·Representing the organisation at senior technical forums, design panels, and industry groups
·Promoting innovation, digital engineering, and modern design methodologies
 
To be successful as the Head of Technical Services, you will bring:
·Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng), or equivalent experience
·Extensive senior leadership experience within highways, civil engineering, or infrastructure design
·Strong technical expertise across highways design, structures, street lighting, and ITS
·In-depth knowledge of S38/S278 processes and technical approval frameworks
·Excellent understanding of national standards, legislation, and design governance
·Proven experience leading and developing large multidisciplinary technical teams
·Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and fee-earning services
·Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
·Experience working within NEC contracts and infrastructure delivery environments
·Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations
·Proficiency in digital engineering tools, BIM, and modern design systems
 
In return, you will receive:
·Competitive salary of £77,000 - £89,000 per year dependent on experience
·A senior leadership position with real influence over technical direction and strategy
·Opportunity to lead high-profile infrastructure design and engineering programmes
·A collaborative environment that supports innovation and continuous improvement
·Clear opportunities for career progression and professional development
 
This role offers a strategic leadership platform within a forward-thinking pre-construction environment, with flexibility in working arrangements and the opportunity to shape both service delivery and long-term infrastructure outcomes.
 
If you are an experienced Head of Technical Services or a senior engineering leader ready to step into this level, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact. Apply now or reach out for a confidential discussion.