Chair, National Highways

Location: Flexible, with travel to London and National Highways regional locations

Commitment: Up to two days per week

Term: Initial three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment

Start: Spring 2027, subject to pre-appointment checks and security clearance

Shape the future of England’s strategic road network.

National Highways is responsible for one of the country’s most important public assets: England’s strategic road network. Connecting people, places and businesses, it manages, operates and improves 4,300 miles of motorways and major A-roads, helping millions of people make safer, smoother and more reliable journeys every day. With more than £100 billion of assets, around 7,000 colleagues and an extensive supply chain, National Highways has a central role in enabling economic growth, productivity and connectivity.

This is a rare opportunity to chair a nationally significant infrastructure organisation at a pivotal point in its development.

Appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport, you will lead the Board and ensure it operates effectively, with the right balance of capability, constructive challenge and collective decision-making. You will support and hold the Executive to account for delivery against agreed objectives, performance measures and strategic business plans. Your leadership will help National Highways navigate complex choices around safety, investment, operational performance, resilience, digital transformation and environmental sustainability, while maintaining a focus on public value.

As the principal link between National Highways and the Department for Transport, you will be a trusted adviser and sounding board to Ministers and senior officials, building constructive relationships with the Office of Rail and Road, Transport Focus, Mayoral Combined Authorities, regional and local stakeholders, and the supply chain. You will champion integrity, probity, strong corporate governance and an inclusive culture across the Board and organisation.

We are seeking an exceptional board leader with the judgement, credibility and influence to operate effectively in a complex, high-profile and highly scrutinised environment. You will bring significant leadership experience at Board and/or Chair level and a clear appreciation of the distinct role of the Chair in enabling effective governance, strategic direction and organisational delivery.

You will demonstrate the ability to lead a Board through ambiguity, build consensus and enable clear, timely decision-making, underpinned by a strong understanding of corporate governance and the confidence to provide strategic direction and constructive challenge to executive leadership. With a track record of overseeing successful organisational delivery and financial sustainability in a complex environment and strength as an outstanding communicator, you will bring the credibility to represent and promote National Highways on behalf of the Department for Transport

If you have the judgement, influence and ambition to help shape the future of England’s strategic road network, we encourage you to apply.  For a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please contact:

Duncan Ewart – Principal Researcher: Duncan.Ewart@gatenbysanderson.com, Olivia Robinson – Consultant:

Olivia.Robinson@gatenbysanderson.com, Michael Dobson – Partner & Practice Lead: Michael.Dobson@gatenbysanderson.com

National Highways welcomes applications from the widest possible range of backgrounds. Diversity of thought, experience and perspective is essential to better decision-making and stronger leadership.