Director of Research and Innovation

About the job

At National Highways, we're shaping the future of transport through a transformative programme of research and implementing innovative approaches. We're recruiting a Director of Research and Innovation to set the strategic direction for how we develop and apply new knowledge, technologies and approaches that improve safety, mobility, sustainability and performance on the Strategic Road Network.

The role is offered as a part-time opportunity working 4 days per week, but we welcome applications from those currently working full-time hours.

Working across government, industry, academia and international partners, you'll lead a nationally significant research and innovation portfolio, influence future transport priorities and ensure investment delivers meaningful value for customers, communities and the organisation. From building the evidence needed to inform strategic priorities to accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies and solutions, you'll play a pivotal role in addressing complex issues, shaping investment priorities and translating insight into practical improvements across the network.

This national-facing role can be based at any of National Highways’ UK offices. While regular travel across our network and occasional international travel form part of the role, we offer a flexible, hybrid working approach combining remote and office working.

Key responsibilities

- Provide strategic direction for National Highways' research and innovation portfolio (totalling approximately £60m during this Road Investment Period), developing an evidence-based approach that delivers solutions to current and future business priorities.

- Act as the organisational sponsor for research and innovation activity, fostering collaboration across the company and with government, academia, industry and international partners.

- Lead the delivery and continual development of the Research and Innovation Approach, and translating this into investment that delivers measurable outcomes, benefits and long-term value.

- Establish effective governance, assurance and performance frameworks that support informed investment decisions and robust benefits realisation.

- Represent National Highways and the United Kingdom at senior national and international forums, influencing research priorities, industry direction and strategic partnerships that support the future of transport.

- Lead the directorate programme office providing services that enable effective governance, risk, assurance and performance reporting.

About you

- Substantial experience overseeing large-scale research and innovation portfolios, programmes and investment in a complex organisational environment involving diverse stakeholders and partners.

- Sound understanding of the transport, infrastructure or related sectors, including the opportunities and evolving considerations associated with research, innovation and emerging technologies.

- Degree qualified, or possessing equivalent professional experience, with the ability to apply strategic insight, sound judgement and evidence-based thinking to complex issues.

- Proven strategic leadership capability, with experience as part of a senior team supporting change and creating inclusive, high-performing cultures that deliver organisational outcomes.

- Excellent relationship-building, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to engage effectively with senior colleagues, government bodies, academia and industry partners.

- Experience developing and managing significant budgets and investment programmes, ensuring robust governance, accountability and value for money.

About us

Here at National Highways, we manage and improve England’s motorways and major A roads, helping our customers have safer, smoother and more reliable journeys. Our priorities are safety, customers and delivery, and at the core of this, are our values of passion, integrity, safety, teamwork and ownership.

Safety, Engineering and Standards (SES) focuses on supporting outstanding operational delivery and providing expert technical advice for our road network. We also deliver essential services that lead, enable, and drive innovation in the development of the Strategic Road Network, while offering expert guidance on health and safety matters.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.