Lead with confidence. Build with purpose.
Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.
Your leadership. Our network. A better Gateshead.
The Highways team, part of the Highways & Waste service, are responsible for ensuring that Gateshead is a safe and attractive place in which people can live, work and spend free time. From waste strategy, including collection and recycling to the maintenance of our highways and street lighting. You've probably also noticed significant investment in the restoration of the Tyne Bridge, and our Highways team continue to play a pivotal role in that restoration project of a local landmark.
Take charge of projects that make a visible difference.
The Roadworker / Chargehand will work flexibly and responsively while supervising teams delivering a wide range of highways construction and maintenance activities. The role ensures that works orders and client requirements are met on time, plant and materials are available and fit for purpose, and that all tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and to required standards. A core focus is maintaining excellent site housekeeping, upholding Health & Safety compliance, and supporting effective coordination between employees, contractors, and the Assistant Manager.
What you'll ge to do
* Assist the Assistant Manager in planning, coordinating, and supervising staff and contractors delivering highways construction and maintenance works.
* Lead teams undertaking a broad range of highways tasks, including maintenance, paving, kerbing, drainage, VRS installation, concrete works, street furniture installation, and associated construction activities.
* Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety requirements, including RAMS, dynamic risk assessments, PPE, equipment safety, and reporting all H&S issues appropriately.
* Oversee the availability, safe operation, and correct use of plant, machinery, tools, and materials needed for daily site activities.
* Set out and manage traffic and pedestrian management systems to support safe and efficient site operation.
* Interpret and work from technical plans, drawings, and specifications to deliver work accurately and to agreed standards.
* Monitor and maintain structured records, including goods and service delivery orders, programme progress, and site documentation in line with procedures.
* Support and guide employees and contractors, offering instruction, motivation, and basic training to ensure successful task completion.
* Act as a point of contact on site, liaising with contractors, employees, and members of the public to resolve issues and maintain positive communication.
What you'll bring
* NVQ or equivalent in relevant trade background.
* Current CSCS Health and Safety Compliance Card or equivalent
* Hold relevant skill and H&S qualifications to operate relevant plant and machinery.
* Hold or be willing to work towards: Streetworks, Water Jetting, Trenching & Shoring, Confined Spaces
* Sling Loading from a vehicle, or be willing to work towards
* A broad knowledge of highways works including traffic management, drainage, street lighting and signage
* Trade background with relevant on-site work experience ideally with some experience of supervising others.
* Experience of working with a wide range of highways materials.
* Experience of operating specialist plant and machinery.
* Working in a self-disciplined manner to tight deadlines whilst maintaining a high standard of workmanship
* Effective communication with clients to ensure specification and requirements are met.
* Experience of working to the requirements of the highways permit scheme
What's in it for you
* Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
* Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides:
* Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
* Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
* Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
* Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
* Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you'll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don't hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.