Head of Engineering LTC

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is the independent economic and safety regulator for Britains railways and monitor of performance on Englands strategic road network. ORR is responsible for regulating the performance and efficiency of National Highways to maintain, renew, operate and improve the motorways and main 'A' roads in England. We also advise government on the appropriate level of funding and performance requirements for the future. This role includes assessing National Highways delivery of the outcomes and commitments set out in the Road Investment Strategy, and providing independent, evidence‑based advice to government on performance, efficiency and value for money.

This is an exciting time to join ORR, we are delivering a significant transformation programme to create a consistently agile and enabling organisation, with the right capability and a strong, inclusive culture that reflects our talented people. This will ensure we continue to operate as an independent, expert regulator, fit for the future contributing to the governments broader agenda on regulatory reform and economic growth. Further detail on our future role is set outhere.

We oversee how National Highways manages and upgrades England's motorways and major A-roads, ensuring it delivers better outcomes for road users through its asset management and capital investment projects. The strategic road network (SRN) in England (the motorways and A roads) are critical connectors of growth, commerce and leisure. The SRN is managed, operated and enhanced by National Highways, a government-owned company. ORRs Highways Team ensures that the company efficiently delivers better, smoother and safer roads on behalf of road users, taxpayers and communities.

The Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) is a new crossing of the Thames east of London and will alleviate pressure on the Dartford Crossing. The circa 10.6 billion project will be privately funded, built and run by a new company called LTC Co. It will also include the transfer of the existing Dartford Crossing to the private organisation. Charges for both will be set through a Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model. We expect to take on a new and significant regulatory role for the Lower Thames Crossing and are looking to expand our Highways Team to accommodate this new role.

The Head of Engineering, Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) will be responsible for ORRs role in monitoring the construction of the new Lower Thames Crossing, as well as the operation, maintenance and renewal of the road upon completion. The role will also provide support to monitoring the operation, maintenance and renewal of the existing Dartford Crossings and interface with the wider road network.

The role will play a critical part in influencing the design of the economic and performance regime and in holding the private sector organisation to account for delivering its obligations and commitments as set out in legislation. The position is within ORRs Highways Team but will be required to work across the organisation within a matrix management structure with our Economics, Finance and Markets Directorate.

The successful candidate will be expected to travel frequently throughout London and the South East of England.

For key responsibilities please see the attached job description.

Additional Information

At ORR, our hybrid working means that we currently work from our workplace location a minimum of 40% of our working week, although requirements to attend other offsite locations for official business, also count towards this level of attendance. Working arrangements are subject to continuous review.