Senior Asset Sponsor

The M25 is one of our Flagship projects in the UK! It is the most used part of the UK Strategic Road Network with it seeing over 200,000 vehicles per day and it’s a critical infrastructure asset for personal and goods vehicles into and around our capital. The network includes around 800 structures and 5 tunnels, so it requires high levels of performance, constant improvement and repairs to keep it operating smoothly.We’ve formed a Joint Venture project called Connect Plus Services (CPS) to work with our partners to widen, operate and maintain the M25 under a 30-year contract and we are looking for a Senior Asset Sponsor who is accountable for the strategic asset management, planning, and performance of the M25 DBFO portfolio including Paved Areas, Structures, Dartford Crossings and the wider Tunnels and Ancillaries portfolio.This role supports the delivery of a TOTEX investment approach that is applied across Planned Maintenance, Lifecycle Renewals, and Improvements, with projected investments exceeding £70 million per annum over the remaining 15 years of the contract.Providing strategic direction and leadership, the Asset Sponsor will interface with the specialist asset management teams across a diverse range of assets, including:TechnologyTunnel mechanical and electrical systemsLightingPavementStructuresDrainageVehicle restraint systemsRoad markings & signageThe Senior Asset Sponsor will also oversee and engage with the Asset Delivery team and Commercial Team supporting that agreed project, programme and portfolios plans remain on track in terms of time, quality and performance.  They will highlight and escalate delivery issues where necessary, ensuring the business is aware of any asset or operational impacts caused by delays or failures.As a  co-custodian of the Asset Strategy, the Senior Asset Sponsor will collaborate with the Asset Managers to ensure our forward looking positions exhibit strong alignment with business and asset management objectives and retain a strong focus on deliverability.A key aspect of the role is effectively communicating the asset strategy—explaining decisions, priorities, risks, and opportunities to a diverse audience. The role also requires building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including CPS functions, supply chains, and clients.Key Accountabilities: Provide leadership across CPS Asset Managers, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure that Asset Management Strategies are implemented and evidenced by our forward-looking Asset Management Plans.Act as the internal Client for PDA Asset Portfolio, helping to define budgets for maintenance, renewals, and improvement activities.Ensure effective asset management, guiding specialist teams to identify, prioritise, and implement value-driven maintenance and renewal solutions. Ensure these are accurately reflected in the Asset Management Forward Plan (AMFP).Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement within asset delivery teams. Oversee maintenance and renewal delivery functions, refine integrated delivery plans, and monitor progress against time, quality, and cost metrics—escalating issues when necessary.Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement within commercial and supply chain teams. Support and guide commercial information and development of robust spending forecastsOversee the implementation of key policies and documentation, including the Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP), asset management policies, methodologies, performance specifications and operating processes.Manage holistic risk plans, addressing potential impacts of change and ensuring resilience in asset operations.Drive environmental and sustainability goals, ensuring alignment with CPS commitments to net-zero and biodiversity net gain.Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including CPS functional areas, CP, and National Highways (NH), to align with M25 Tunnels portfolio delivery objectives.