Technical Director-Design lead in Highways
JOB_51402314459258Job type
PermanentLocation
Otley, Leeds- West YorkshireWorking Pattern
Flexible Working,Full-timeSpecialism
InfrastructureIndustry
EngineeringPay
£85k+ plus bonus and benefits
Technical Director-Highways & Transportation Design Lead for a thriving SME Consultancy in Otley, Leeds
Hays Civil Engineering is proud to be partnering with Roughan & O’Donovan (ROD), a dynamic and ambitious firm of civil, structural, and environmental engineering consultants.
With a 50-year legacy and headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, ROD has grown to over 200 employees and generates annual revenues exceeding £20M. The firm operates from three offices; two in Dublin and one in Otley, near Leeds. ROD UK Ltd, incorporated in 2018, currently employs 20 professionals in Otley, with plans for continued expansion.
Project Portfolio
- A5 Western Transport Corridor ECI
- A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe D&B
- Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside Bridge
- A47 Harfrey’s Roundabout
- Herring Bridge and Approaches, Great Yarmouth
- Cross Tay Link Road
These major highways and bridge schemes integrate significant elements of Active Travel, SUDS, Environmental Design, and Geotechnical Engineering, with sustainability at the core.
Past Projects
- A6 Randalstown to Castledawson
- A1231 Northern Spire and Approaches
- M8-M73-M74 Motorway Upgrade
ROD UK Ltd currently generates revenues of approximately £2M annually. In Ireland, ROD has delivered over 500km of motorway projects and numerous Greenways, establishing itself as a leader in Urban Realm and Active Travel design. The firm is now transferring its expertise to the UK, including training initiatives in sustainable transport design.
The Opportunity
ROD UK Ltd is seeking a Technical Director to lead and grow its UK transportation business. This is a hands-on leadership role for a technically accomplished engineer with a track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects and leading high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership: Act as the technical authority on highways and transportation projects, overseeing design development, technical reviews, and ensuring high-quality deliverables.
- Project Leadership: Lead multidisciplinary project teams through all phases of delivery, from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with client expectations and sustainability goals.
- Team Leadership: Inspire and manage a team of highly experienced engineers, providing mentorship, coaching, and professional development.
- Strategic Direction: Shape the growth strategy for the UK transportation business, identifying opportunities, building client relationships, and driving innovation.
- Bid Management: Lead and contribute to winning bids for new transportation projects across the UK.
- Cross-Border Collaboration: Coordinate with ROD’s Irish offices to leverage resources and expertise across the group.
- Client Engagement: Maintain strong client relationships and uphold ROD’s reputation for excellence and service.
Required Skills and Experience
- Chartered Engineer with a relevant university degree.
- Proven hands-on experience in the design and delivery of highways, streets, and transportation infrastructure.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to represent the company externally and build trusted client relationships.
- Experience in traffic network analysis is advantageous but not essential.
What You’ll Get in Return
- A senior leadership role with autonomy to shape the future of ROD’s UK transportation business.
- A collaborative and flexible working environment, with both hybrid and office-based options.
- Long-term career development with tailored progression pathways and ongoing learning support.
- A competitive salary package of £85k+, plus bonus and executive-level benefits.
What to Do Next
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, contact Karly Clark – Senior Business Director on 07802 200 492, or click ‘apply now’ to submit your CV.
For more detailed information, or to view other vacancies with this organisation, please visit our dedicated recruitment website https://webmicrosites.hays.co.uk/web/rod
Technical Director-Design lead in HighwaysJOB_514023144592582025-10-072026-01-05
Talk to Karly Clark, the specialist consultant managing this position
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JOB_51402314459258