Sponsorship Director

Job Description

Your new roleNational Highways are currently recruiting for a Sponsorship and Development Director to join the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) programme.As a member of the LTC leadership team, you will take ownership and accountability at a senior leadership level for communicating and representing the project across Government. You will be responsible for the critical relationship with the DfT Client Sponsorshipteam and you will run the secretariat for the LTC Executive.You will be building relationships with officials and specialists across key Government departments; you will build both support for the scheme and an in depth understanding of how the LTC project relates to Departmental agendas and priorities. You willhave a critical role ensuring that the LTC programme is joined up across Government departments - specifically DLUHC, DEFRA and ensure that information required by HMT and CO is provided in an assured timely fashion. You will work closely with the PMO andStakeholder and Communications team to ensure the external reporting on the team reflects the expectations of key stakeholders and provides a strong narrative. You will own the delivery of critical business case and programme update submissions. A criticalpart of your role will be to ensure that all client Governance is delivered on time and to a high quality.You will also use this understanding and the reporting process to ensure the project is well represented in the relevant engagement opportunities and you will articulate how it plays to new agendas and emerging issues, in advance of challenges. You willalso be able to provide insight and strategic direction to the Development Director and wider LTC Executive for how the project is promoted.You will also have responsibility for ensuring the process of decision making external to the project (through the Tier 1 process) is well planned and executed. You will develop strong relationships with internal NH decision makers, keeping them informedand engaged in advance of formal decision-making points.What youll be leading on

1. Manage the strategic engagement with Government, particularly DfT and the DfT Sponsor, but also with other key departments.
2. Own the development of business cases for the programme and updates to Governance Committees, producing high quality products in line with Governance and Assurance processes.
3. Build effective relationships with key officials within central Government, and as appropriate with local government to support the wider Government objectives around LTC.
4. Communicate the strategic messaging for the project to Government, promoting the project against the agenda and priorities of key Government departments.
5. Work closely and effectively within the Development Directorate, and Communications & Public Affairs team to create and maintain alignment of the LTC and Corporate narrative.
6. Ensure, with appropriate internal and external assurance, that the project smoothly manages the external decision-making and approval process and that decision makers are appropriately informed and engaged in advance. Ensure that governance submissionsare to agreed timelines and of high quality.
7. As a member of the LTC leadership team, play an active role in the project, as a whole, to create a high performing team culture and delivery environment.
8. Support and contribute to the development of high-quality sponsorship capability across National Highways.

To be successful youll need

• Excellent personal and communication skills
• Extensive experience of leadership role in major infrastructure programmes including
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Understanding of benefits & cost and impacts of risks and opportunities.
• Extensive experience in developing effective relationships with clients, shareholder and stakeholders at a senior level on major capital investment programmes.
• Proven ability to manage and deliver high quality business cases, identifying, evidencing and communicating critical messages with clarity and brevity including
  • Excellent written communications
  • Team leadership to delivery high quality outcomes in tightly defined timelines
  • Demonstrate proven ability to positively lead high profile teams and demonstrate capability to shape the strategic objectives and purpose of major investment projects or programmes.
• Evidence of working in an integrated senior leadership team and demonstration of collaborative approach to engagement across complex organisations.
• Recent experience in project management of major transportation programmes or projects is highly desirable. A background in programme or project management is desirable to give a grounding in the critical issues to communicate with key stakeholders andenabling build strong links with the project delivery team.

A bit about usThe Lower Thames Crossing is the most significant new highways infrastructure in a generation. The crossing will support the levelling up of the country, support local and national economic development, join up communities and provide a long-term solutionto congestion at the Dartford Crossing. This project will set the standard for delivery of sustainable road transport into the future.This role is within the Lower Thames Crossing Development Division which has a crucial role to set the scheme objectives and benefits, define the commitments, ensure compliance with standards and monitor, report and communicate benefits.