Air Quality Programme Lead

Job Description

Your new roleAs the Air Quality Programme Lead you will be responsible for bringing together the activities National Highways is already taking in delivering National Highways Air Quality Strategy to support the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)and the Department for Transport (DfT) as they work to improve air quality in the UK and deliver NO2 compliance at the roadside in the shortest timescale possible.Working at a national level, you will provide programme support to ongoing delivery, working collaboratively across the company to establish links between the Air Quality Programme, our Air Quality team and National Highways directorates, all of whom havean interest in the Air Quality Programme and its implementation.You will be responsible for advising and updating National Highways CEO and key stakeholders; DfT, DEFRA and the Office of Road and Rail on the Air Quality programme and putting commitments and recommendations into action.What youll be leading on

• Ensure the overall integrity of the projects/programme in respect of their alignment with National Highways, DfT and stakeholder priorities, alignment with fund plan and corporate, technical and specialist standards; and ensuring that the projects do notduplicate work being done elsewhere in the programme or business environment.
• Ensuring that project objectives and requirements are clearly understood, setting clear expectations for time and cost; and identifying appropriate remedial action where necessary.
• Assure project plans, to ensure that all activities are appropriately organised to deliver project objectives, are appropriately resourced to deliver the required outcomes, and comply with the requirements of the Project and Programme Boards.
• Understand strategic and delivery objectives of the Air Quality Programme, to collaborate on planning, to report on and review project/programme performance, and to agree programme level solutions that resolve complex issues.

To be successful

• Experience of working in a programme and project environment in line with APMP principles, working with programme management to support the delivery of specific programmes.
• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders in the delivery of programmes and in developing effective long-term working relationships
• Strong networking and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and present results.
• Experience of managing teams to successful development of complex, medium/high risk or high-profile projects and programmes.
• Track record of managing business and/or value management cases for new projects through company defined governance, review and approval gates.
• Able to manage and maintaining agreed project plans and detailed stage plans in conjunction with delivery partners.
• Able to manage complex relationships with multiple stakeholders and evidence of skills to influence relationships for positive outcomes.

Environmental Sustainability DivisionNational Highways connects the country, but it is important that it does that in an environmentally sustainable way. There is clear direction from Government to move faster and be more ambitious regarding the environment, seeking not just to minimise environmentalimpact but actively enhance the environment. This is supported by stakeholder and public opinion. Delivering on the Companys Net Zero carbon commitments, enhancing biodiversity and minimising the impact on communities and environmental receptors close toour network are key to successful delivery of our current investment plan (RIS2), and the development of future investment plans.The Environmental Sustainability Division was established in January 2022, and will grow to be about 50 people strong. The increase in size and seniority of the posts in the team reflecting the centrality of the environment to National Highways. The teamwill develop standards, provide advice, and assure environmental work across the Company. The team will also be an integral part of developing future strategy for the Company.Our benefits package

• Our total reward package includes basic salary, the potential for a performance related bonus
• Contributory 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/home
• Life assurance of 4 times annual salary
• Health 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 vaccines
• A cycle to work scheme for the purchase of a bicycle and equipment for healthy, low carbon travel
• Significant investment in your career development, through learning and development, talent management, coaching, mentoring and on job experience

And we are:

• Family friendly with enhanced maternity leave and pay, paternity leave (15 days), shared parental leave, adoption leave. Plus access to financial support for holiday play schemes and paid special leave (up to 5 days pa), eg for caring responsibilities
• Money friendly with access to a discounts platform including over 3000 discounts for supermarkets, eating out, leisure, holidays. Alongside a financial wellbeing programme
• Community friendly - offering paid leave to volunteer, 3 days basic/year plus an extra 3 days to support the national Covid effort

If you are successful, it is key to know all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory completion of our pre-employment checks which include:

• Right to work check
• 3 year employment history references
• DBS criminal record check
• Social media and adverse journalism check
• Driving licence check (if applicable)
• Fit to work questionnaire (for all), followed by a medical check (if applicable)