Shape the future of England's strategic road network.

National Highways is responsible for one of the country's most important public assets: England's strategic road network. Connecting people, places and businesses, it manages, operates and improves 4,300 miles of motorways and major A-roads, helping millions of people make safer, smoother and more reliable journeys every day. With more than £100 billion of assets, around 7,000 colleagues and an extensive supply chain, National Highways has a central role in enabling economic growth, productivity and connectivity.

This is a rare opportunity to chair a nationally significant infrastructure organisation at a pivotal point in its development. Appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport, you will lead the Board and ensure it operates effectively, with the right balance of capability, constructive challenge and collective decision-making. You will support and hold the Executive to account for delivery against agreed objectives, performance measures and strategic business plans. Your leadership will help National Highways navigate complex choices around safety, investment, operational performance, resilience, digital transformation and environmental sustainability, while maintaining a focus on public value.

As the principal link between National Highways and the Department for Transport, you will be a trusted adviser and sounding board to Ministers and senior officials, building constructive relationships with the Office of Rail and Road, Transport Focus, Mayoral Combined Authorities, regional and local stakeholders, and the supply chain. You will champion integrity, probity, strong corporate governance and an inclusive culture across the Board and organisation.

We are seeking an exceptional board leader with the judgement, credibility and influence to operate effectively in a complex, high-profile and highly scrutinised environment. You will bring significant leadership experience at Board and/or Chair level and a clear appreciation of the distinct role of the Chair in enabling effective governance, strategic direction and organisational delivery.

You will demonstrate the ability to lead a Board through ambiguity, build consensus and enable clear, timely decision-making, underpinned by a strong understanding of corporate governance and the confidence to provide strategic direction and constructive challenge to executive leadership. With a track record of overseeing successful organisational delivery and financial sustainability in a complex environment and strength as an outstanding communicator, you will br

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Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
23:59 on Monday 19 October 2026

Short listing
November 2026

Final panel
December 2026/January 2027 - TBC

How to apply

Before you apply

You'll need to create an account on the UK Government's Public Appointments website or sign into your account.

To apply, you must provide the following information by creating an account or signing in:

• equality information
• information relating to any outside interests or potential reputational issues

If you have not completed the steps above, your application will not be accepted.

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.

You must also apply via the GatenbySanderson website by 23:59 on Monday 19 October 2026.

• Any applications submitted after the closing date, or that are missing any of the following documents, will not be accepted.
• A CV or equivalent biographical information (maximum two sides A4, minimum 12 font) setting out your career history and including details of any professional qualifications.
• Provide a summary of why you are interested in the role and how you meet the specification and essential criteria. This can be in a form that allows you most ably to present your interest and credentials, for example a short, bullet-point slide presentation (no more than 5 slides), a short video (no more than 2 mins) or supporting letter (no more than two A4 pages, minimum 12 font). Make sure you refer to the contents of this document and provide specific examples.

You will also be asked to provide diversity data, and to declare any potential conflicts of interest or reputational issues.

If you have the judgement, influence and ambition to help shape the future of England's strategic road network, we encourage you to apply. For a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please contact:

Duncan Ewart, Principal Researcher | E: Duncan.Ewart@gatenbysanderson.com
Olivia Robinson, Consultant | E Olivia.Robinson@gatenbysanderson.com
Michael Dobson, Partner & Practice Lead | E: Michael.Dobson@gatenbysanderson.com

National Highways welcomes applications from the widest possible range of backgrounds. Diversity of thought, experience and perspective is essential to better decision-making and stronger leadership.