Principal Evaluation Manager

Job Description

Your new roleAre you an experienced evaluator looking for a leadership role, where you can set the analytical direction and guide a team of analysts to deliver good quality and impactful evidenceDo you have a passion for using evaluation evidence to deliver better outcomes for society, the environment and customersThen, we have a great opportunity for you!We are looking for a motivated and skilled Principal Evaluation Manager to lead the delivery of high-quality evaluation insights and methodological innovation across key strategic agendas including environment, road user safety and customer experience.The role includes managing a small team of evaluation experts, collaborating with third-party suppliers to direct the delivery of robust and timely evaluation projects and proactively manage relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.The role would suit analysts who are passionate about using evidence effectively to impact decision making and want to make a difference.Ideally, you will have experience of:evaluation design, utilising a range of approaches to deliver robust insightsdirecting the timely delivery of analytical programmes, andcommunicating evaluation evidence to inform senior decision makers and stakeholdersAs a proactive individual, you will contribute to capability building within National Highways and foster a culture of learning and improvement from evaluation insights.National Highways actively promotes blended working which supports employees to work from home, as well as, in the office and we encourage applications from those looking for flexible working arrangements (whether working full time / part time / job share/ annualised hours etc).What youll be leading onEnvironment and Safety - Principal Evaluation ManagerDirecting the delivery of analysis across a portfolio of evaluation studies, including the evaluation of Designated Funds, strategically significant infrastructure projects such as the A14 Cambridge to Huntington and lead teams delivering environmental andsafety analysis for post-opening project evaluations.Leading a programme of methodological innovation relating to how we evaluate carbon, wider economic and customer experience impacts and embed standards to improve evaluation design and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Overseeing the coordination of a range of evaluation activities. Effectively managing dependencies and resourcing priorities to ensure delivery remains on track to deliver timely insights. Providing regular reporting to senior stakeholders on delivery progressand insights from the evidence base.Ensuring the appropriate governance and analytical assurance processes are being implemented, advising on analytical quality, to support the appropriate interpretation of the evidence base.Leading a team of analysts, and consultancy specialists, to deliver high quality evaluation studies. Ensuring the evidence produced is timely, fit for purpose and impactful.Setting analytical strategies and delivery plans to meet stakeholder requirements and develop appropriate methods to provide robust insights.Effectively communicating the insights and learning from evaluation to ensure it is impactful, relevant, credible and tailored effectively to influence senior decision makers.Collaborate with the wider analytical community and contribute the leadership of the evaluation profession within National Highways, including building up evaluation capabilities and promoting a strong benefits management and evaluation culture.Providing good quality programme and financial management, proactively escalating issues and risks and identifying appropriate mitigation measures.To be successfulA degree (or post-graduate qualification) in a relevant analytical subject (statistics, economics, transport planning, social research or operational research).Experience of evaluation design and delivery, with a good working knowledge across a range of impact and process evaluation methods, and the ability to communicate methodological considerations effectively to non-technical audiences.Expertise in research design and data analysis, with experience of undertaking customer research and statistical analysis of administrative data. Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to build and effectively manage relationships with stakeholders and translate analytical findings into actionable insights.A track record of successful analytical project or programme management, including financial management skills and experience of managing external suppliers. With experience of managing multiple analytical projects and / or highly complex studies.The ability to motivate and inspire others to deliver their best, ideally with experience of people management.Our benefits packageOur total reward package includes basic salary, the potential for a performance related bonusContributory pension scheme with employer contribution of up to 10%Annual Leave starting at 26 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising by 1 day each year up to 31 days (plus Bank Holidays)Flexible hours and blended working between base location/homeLife assurance of 4 times annual salaryHealth and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, available 24/7 365 days and network of mental health first aiders. Plus access to a wellbeing app to enhance your self-care 24/7, Occupational health service and flu vaccinesA cycle to work scheme for the purchase of a bicycle and equipment for healthy, low carbon travelSignificant investment in your career development, through learning and development, talent management, coaching, mentoring and on job experience