Job Description
6 Month Contract With A local Authority
Job Purpose
To provide professional and technical expertise in the management, assessment, negotiation, and delivery of Section 38 and Section 278 Agreements under the Highways Act 1980. The role will support the Council's growth and development objectives by ensuring that highway infrastructure associated with new developments is designed, constructed, and adopted to the required standards while protecting and enhancing the Council's highway assets.
Key Responsibilities
* Process and manage applications relating to Section 38 and Section 278 Agreements under the Highways Act 1980.
* Undertake detailed technical assessments of highway designs and development proposals associated with new developments.
* Review, assess, and approve highway engineering designs submitted by developers, consultants, and third parties.
* Prepare legal instructions and supporting documentation for Section 38 and Section 278 Agreements.
* Negotiate and agree technical requirements, specifications, and agreement terms with developers, consultants, and legal representatives.
* Monitor the progression of legal agreements to ensure they are completed prior to the commencement of works on site.
* Oversee inspections and supervision of highway works to ensure compliance with approved designs, specifications, and relevant standards.
* Manage the adoption process for new highway infrastructure, including the review of inspection records, testing results, and completion documentation.
* Issue completion certificates and support the formal adoption of highway assets in accordance with statutory requirements.
* Provide professional highways advice to Planning Services, Development Management teams, developers, elected members, parish councils, and other stakeholders.
* Respond to technical queries arising during the construction and delivery of development-related highway works.
* Maintain effective working relationships with internal services including Maintenance, Streetworks, Structures, Drainage, Legal Services, Finance, and Economic Growth teams.
* Monitor project progress, identify risks, and provide regular updates to management on workload, programme delivery, and key issues.
* Contribute to service improvement initiatives, policy development, and the implementation of best practice within highways development control.
* Support the wider Developing Highways Team in promoting risk-based asset management and value-for-money principles.
* Ensure all work complies with relevant legislation, codes of practice, design standards, and Council policies.
Requirements
* Degree, HNC, HND, or equivalent qualification in Civil Engineering, Highway Engineering, Transportation, or a related discipline.
* Significant experience in highways development control, highway engineering, or development-related infrastructure delivery.
* Strong working knowledge of Section 38 and Section 278 Agreements under the Highways Act 1980.
* Experience assessing and approving highway design submissions for development schemes.
* Knowledge of highway design standards, specifications, and relevant legislation.
* Experience managing highway adoption processes and overseeing developer-led infrastructure works.
* Ability to interpret technical drawings, engineering reports, and construction specifications.
* Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
* Strong report writing and communication skills.
* Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant engineering or project management systems.
* Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.
* Professional membership of a relevant institution such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).
* Experience working within a local authority highways or planning environment.
* Knowledge of development management and planning processes.
* Experience representing highways interests at public meetings, planning forums, or stakeholder events.
* Experience leading service improvement initiatives and implementing new processes or procedures.
Additional Information
* Location: Shirehall, Shrewsbury (Hybrid Working Available)
* Working Arrangement: Office and home-based working with site visits as required
* Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
* Payment: Bi-weekly payments