Join to apply for the Principal Engineer – Section 38 role at Kirklees Council.
We are looking for a skilled and experienced Principal Engineer to join our Section 38 team within the Local Highway Authority. Reporting to the Group Engineer, you will provide senior technical expertise and lead on the assessment, approval, and delivery of developer‑led highway schemes under Section 38 of the Highways Act 1980.
This is a fantastic opportunity to influence the quality and sustainability of new highway infrastructure across the borough, working closely with developers, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
The Team
Work in a team responsible for overseeing the adoption of new roads and highways that are constructed as part of private residential or commercial developments. These roads are built by developers but, once completed to the local authority’s adoptable standards, can be formally adopted as public highways under Section 38 of the Highways Act 1980.
The team works closely with developers, legal teams, planning officers and a range of internal highway departments throughout the lifecycle of a development, from reviewing and approving technical designs through to inspecting the works on site, and ensuring the necessary legal and financial agreements, such as bonds and maintenance periods, are in place.
The ultimate goal of the Section 38 team is to protect the Council’s interest while ensuring high‑quality infrastructure is delivered for the benefit of residents and the travelling public.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead on the technical review and approval of Section 38 highway designs and construction proposals.
* Provide expert advice on highway engineering standards, materials, and construction methods.
* Support the Group Engineer in delivering team objectives and mentoring junior staff.
* Undertake site inspections and ensure compliance with approved designs and specifications.
* Liaise with legal teams to support the drafting and completion of Section 38 agreements.
* Contribute to continuous improvement of processes and policies related to highway adoption.
Benefits
* Hybrid working supporting a balance between home and work.
* A friendly, supportive and professional team environment.
* Opportunities for career development and progression.
* Excellent local government pension scheme.
* Family‑friendly policies, including flexible working.
What a team member says about the role
"Being a Principal Engineer in the Section 38 team is a genuinely fulfilling role. You get to work on a wide range of development projects, applying your technical knowledge to ensure new highways are safe, sustainable, and built to last. There’s a great mix of technical challenge and collaboration, and you’re constantly engaging with developers, consultants, and colleagues across the authority. It’s a role where your expertise really makes a difference."
Accessibility and Inclusive Hiring
We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. If you need any support completing an application form or any other format for the application or job description, please contact the Recruitment Team by email or phone (01484 221000) and ask for ‘Recruitment’.
Closing Date
30 November 2025, 11:55 PM
Contact
Peter Making is the manager for this role. Please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion or if you need any more information.
Job Details
• Organisation: Kirklees Council
• Directorate: Place
• Service Area: Highways & Streetscene
• Hours: 37 per week
• Number of Jobs: 1
• Location: Civic Centre 1, High Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2NF
• Position type: Permanent
• Grade: 10‑12
• Salary: £38,220 – £47,181
• MRS: £3,000
Seniorities and Types
• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
• Industry: Government Relations Services
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