Assistant Director

The primary objective of this role is to provide strategic leadership and direction for highway and parking policy across Wandsworth and Richmond Councils, with a particular focus on delivering a modern, efficient, and sustainable parking service. The postholder will ensure that parking policy not only meets operational and financial requirements, but also plays a central role in supporting wider council priorities, including environmental sustainability, air quality improvement, economic vitality, and the promotion of active and accessible travel. This role is responsible for shaping a cohesive, evidence-based policy framework that balances the competing needs of residents, businesses, and visitors, while responding to legislative requirements and the evolving demands of urban mobility. By driving innovation, digital transformation, and service improvement, the Assistant Director will ensure that parking services are customer-focused, financially robust, and aligned with long-term strategic outcomes for both boroughs. Working at a senior level, the postholder will also provide expert advice to elected members and corporate leadership, ensuring informed decision-making and effective governance, while fostering strong partnerships and engagement with stakeholders across the public and private sectors, Wandsworth and Richmond Councils are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Assistant Director to lead our Highway & Parking Policy function, with a strong emphasis on parking strategy, policy development, and service improvement. This is a senior leadership role with significant influence over how parking supports wider transport, environmental, and place-based priorities across two dynamic London boroughs. You will shape and deliver innovative parking policies that balance the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors, while supporting sustainability, air quality improvements, and active travel objectives. Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of parking policy and strategy across both boroughs
• Oversee Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs), permits, enforcement policy, and tariff structures
• Ensure parking services contribute to wider transport, climate, and public realm goals
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership, elected members, and stakeholders
• Manage and develop high-performing, multidisciplinary teams
• Drive digital transformation and service modernisation within parking services
• Oversee budgets, income generation, and financial performance of parking operations
• Lead on consultations, stakeholder engagement, and partnership working
  
  You will be a strategic leader with substantial experience in highways, transport, or parking services, ideally within a local government or public sector context.
We are looking for someone who:
• Professional Qualifications in the highway / transport sector
• Has deep expertise in parking policy, legislation, and operations
• Can demonstrate strong leadership and experience managing complex services
• Is politically astute, with experience working with elected members
• Has a track record of delivering service transformation and innovation
• Possesses excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Is committed to sustainable transport and improving urban environments
  
  We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.