Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Highway Manager

🎯 Role Definition

A Highway Manager is the strategic and operational leader responsible for the planning, maintenance, and improvement of our public road networks. This pivotal role ensures the safety, efficiency, and longevity of critical transportation infrastructure, from local roads and bridges to major highway systems. More than just a manager of projects and pavement, the Highway Manager is a public steward, a financial strategist, and a team leader. They balance the technical demands of civil engineering with the complexities of public administration, budget management, and community relations. At its core, this position is about keeping communities moving safely and effectively, safeguarding a massive public investment, and planning for the transportation needs of the future.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Civil Engineer (Transportation/Public Works)
Senior Construction Project Manager
Assistant Highway Superintendent or Supervisor
Senior Transportation Planner

Advancement To:

Director of Public Works
City or County Engineer
Regional Director of Transportation
Chief Operations Officer (for a municipality or large agency)

Lateral Moves:

Senior Infrastructure Asset Manager
Utilities Director
Airport Operations Manager
large-scale private sector Construction Director

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop and direct comprehensive, multi-year strategic plans for the maintenance, repair, and capital improvement of the entire road, bridge, and traffic control network.
Prepare, justify, and administer the department's annual operating and capital budgets, exercising rigorous fiscal control and optimizing the allocation of funds, labor, and equipment.
Oversee the complete lifecycle of public works contracts, from drafting specifications and managing the bidding process to negotiating terms, awarding contracts, and ensuring contractor compliance and quality.
Provide strong leadership and direct supervision to a diverse workforce, including engineers, supervisors, equipment operators, and administrative staff, handling all aspects of personnel management from recruitment to performance evaluation.
Ensure all departmental operations, construction projects, and maintenance activities are in strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., DOT, MUTCD, OSHA, environmental laws).
Spearhead and command emergency response operations for weather-related events like snowstorms, floods, and hurricanes, coordinating a 24/7 response to clear roads and ensure public safety.
Manage a comprehensive asset management program, utilizing pavement management systems and GIS data to track infrastructure conditions, predict lifecycle costs, and prioritize capital investments.
Act as the principal point of contact for and resolve complex inquiries and complaints from the public, elected officials, community groups, and the media regarding infrastructure issues.
Lead the planning, execution, and oversight of the municipal snow and ice control program, including route optimization, material procurement, and pre-season readiness.
Conduct regular, systematic field inspections of roadways, bridges, drainage systems, and traffic signals to assess conditions, identify potential failures, and schedule proactive repairs.
Review and provide expert approval on civil engineering plans, traffic impact studies, and specifications for private developments to ensure they meet public infrastructure standards.
Manage the procurement, maintenance, repair, and lifecycle replacement strategy for the department's extensive fleet of heavy equipment, vehicles, and specialized machinery.
Establish, enforce, and continuously improve rigorous safety protocols and training programs to cultivate a culture of safety and minimize workplace accidents.
Administer state and federal aid-funded transportation projects, ensuring meticulous documentation, adherence to grant requirements, and successful reimbursement processes.
Direct the design and implementation of traffic control plans for construction zones, special events, and emergencies, minimizing disruption and maximizing safety for motorists and workers.
Analyze departmental performance against key metrics and service level agreements, using data-driven insights to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
Lead or actively participate in labor relations, including managing grievance procedures and contributing to collective bargaining negotiations with union representatives.

Secondary Functions

Represent the department in public meetings, council hearings, and professional conferences to articulate policies, present project details, and engage with the community.
Serve on inter-departmental and regional planning committees to provide expert advice on transportation impacts and coordinate on large-scale development or emergency preparedness initiatives.
Mentor and develop junior engineering and supervisory staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning, succession planning, and professional growth within the department.
Evaluate and recommend the adoption of new technologies, sustainable materials, and innovative methodologies to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and quality of highway operations.
Collaborate with economic development and planning departments to align long-term infrastructure plans with the community's growth and strategic goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Public Works & Civil Engineering Principles: Deep knowledge of road construction, materials science, drainage, and bridge maintenance.
Budgeting & Financial Management: Expertise in developing and managing large, complex operational and capital budgets, including financial forecasting and reporting.
Contract Administration & Procurement: Proficiency in public bidding laws, contract negotiation, and managing contractor performance.
Asset Management Systems: Experience with Pavement Management Systems (PMS), GIS, and other software for tracking and planning infrastructure lifecycle.
Regulatory Knowledge: Thorough understanding of relevant standards and regulations, including MUTCD, AASHTO, OSHA, and environmental compliance.
Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale construction and maintenance projects simultaneously, on time, and within budget.
Fleet Management: Knowledge of heavy equipment specifications, maintenance programs, and vehicle lifecycle cost analysis.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Team Management: The ability to inspire, direct, and develop a large and diverse team, including union and non-union staff, in a high-pressure environment.
Stakeholder Communication & Public Relations: Excellent skill in communicating complex technical information clearly and persuasively to elected officials, residents, and the media.
Strategic Planning & Vision: The capacity to think long-term, anticipating future needs and developing proactive plans to meet them.
Negotiation & Conflict Resolution: Proven ability to navigate difficult conversations, resolve disputes with contractors and the public, and manage labor relations effectively.
Crisis Management & Decisiveness: The composure and critical thinking skills to make sound, swift decisions during emergencies and unexpected events.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university. A Professional Engineer (PE) license may be considered in lieu of a degree in some jurisdictions.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in a relevant field.
Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Civil Engineering
Construction Management
Public Administration
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
A minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering, construction, or public works operations.

Preferred:
Over 10 years of experience, with at least 5 of those years in a significant supervisory or management capacity within a municipal or state public works or transportation department. Direct experience managing snow and ice operations, unionized staff, and multi-million dollar budgets is strongly preferred.