The Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) is seeking an experienced Chief Executive to lead the Institute into the future. This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly respected and successful Professional Institute, championing growth, resilience and innovation in the highways field, setting professional standards and shaping the future of the industry.

As Chief Executive with a proven track record of inspirational leadership, you’ll play an important role in driving the IHE towards achieving its vision to be the Institute of choice for Highway Engineers.

Summary

• Hybrid working with offices based in London W1W and Birmingham B1
• Fixed term three-year appointment with the potential for a two-year extension
• 37 hours per week
• Salary – on request
• Closing date: Friday 26th July 2024, 23:59

The Role

The purpose of the role is to:

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the IHE and provide strategic leadership for the Institute in serving the needs of its members.
• Lead the relationship between the Institute and the Engineering Council, other professional engineering institutions and the wider sector.
• Lead the relationship between the Institute and other professional bodies forming part of the Joint Board of Moderators.
• Represent the Institute at key industry events, meetings and forums in an ambassadorial capacity, in line with agreed strategic objectives.
• Develop plans and implement measures to successfully market the Institute and its services in order to deliver growth.
• Build and enhance relationships with other bodies, ensuring a high level of collaboration that provides benefit for members and the wider sector.
• Manage the staff of the IHE and support the operation of Council and the Executive, including attendance at Council and Exec Board meetings as required.
• Manage the staff of the IHE and support Council, the Executive and the membership through the management and administration of the activities of the Institute in accordance with standards adopted by The Institute and approved by The Engineering Council.
• Manage the staff of the IHE and support Council and the Executive in the development of Business Plans and the day-to-day financial management of the Institute’s affairs, ensuring financial stability and providing standards of service commensurate with agreed business outcomes.

The Position

The Chief Executive will lead the Institute, reporting to Council, the Executive Board, and Presidential Team. The main responsibilities and accountabilities are to:

• Provide strategic leadership and management of the Institute’s finances, member services and professional operations.
• Manage the relationship of the Institute with the Engineering Council and members of the Joint Board of Moderators.
• Deliver the aspirations, objectives and strategies of the Institute as determined by council, Executive Board, Portfolio groups and the Presidential Team
• Support the President and Presidential Team.
• Lead, motivate and manage the IHE staff; providing line management and support with day-to-day activities to achieve their objectives.
• Ensure that the Institute is well governed and support Council, the Executive Board and Portfolio Group Chairs.
• Ensure that the needs of members are served.
• Oversee the development and operation of Professional Development Partnerships (PDPs) with industry partners.
• Promote the Institute and develop effective relationships with Government, academia, the media, the public and industry partner organisations, in accordance with agreed business strategies.
• Develop the Institute’s activities and monitor all aspects of performance.
• Provide assistance and guidance to all branches and monitor branch structures to ensure that they meet the needs of members.
• Manage risk and change within the institute and ensure a robust succession planning model for IHE staff, fostering growth at all levels.
• In line with GDPR, the Chief Executive will undertake the role of data protection controller on behalf of IHE.

Decision making and authority:

• The Chief Executive reports to the Council and Executive Board and will work with the Presidential Team in managing all aspects of the Institute’s business.
• The Chief Executive will work in accordance with IHE’s Memoranda and Articles of Association.

The Person

The Chief Executive will be able to show:

• Proven leadership and managerial experience with aptitude to work with others and inspire cooperative working including knowledge of professional and membership organisations.
• Demonstrated experience in development skills and strategic planning.
• The ability to prepare and manage budgets.
• Excellent organisational, written and oral communication skills, including experience and confidence in public speaking, report-writing and dealing with press and media.
• Experience of staff management including personal development, objective setting and performance evaluation.
• The ability to work on own initiative, and to develop good working relationships with stakeholders and partners.
• Proven ability to make confident decisions in complex environments.
• The ability to understand and communicate a broad range of policy issues.
• The role will require a flexible approach to working days in order to meet the demands of the role.
• Frequent travel away from the office will be required for events, employer visits, Council meetings and the like. These events are usually held within the UK.

Desirable attributes:

• Knowledge of the Highways Industry is desirable.
• Knowledge of Engineering Council standards is desirable.
• Knowledge and experience of the workings of a professional membership body is desirable.

If you believe you have the drive, passion and expertise necessary to take on this role please send a CV and supporting letter outlining how your experience meets the requirements to [email protected]. 

If you would like further information or an informal discussion regarding the role please contact [email protected]