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.

If you feel that you are right for this role technically, but the salary, location or seniority does not suit you specifically then please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for roles very similar to this one at all levels UK Wide. We are always keen to chat with you discreetly about your employment situation.

Even if you are happy in your current role for now, we always welcome calls from Highways, Infrastructure & Transportation professionals keen to make their introductions for future months or years. Carrington West's Highways, Transport & Infrastructure division is the fastest growing in the country, our specialist team has a combined over 100+ years' experience in this market. Please call Adam Butler at Carrington West on (phone number removed) for more information.

By applying for this position, you are agreeing for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will be shared with third party clients specifically relevant to any roles you have applied for. If at any stage, you wish to withdraw your consent please contact us.