Job Purpose
To lead and manage the authority's Public Rights of Way (PROW) service, ensuring the effective protection, maintenance, and strategic development of the rights of way network. The postholder will oversee complex legal processes, drive service improvements, and provide expert professional advice across the organisation and to external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Service Delivery
Lead the development and implementation of PROW strategies, policies, and operational plans aligned with corporate priorities.
Manage and prioritise the PROW work programme, ensuring effective allocation of resources and delivery of statutory duties.
Monitor service performance, budgets, and KPIs, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
Contribute to wider highways, transport, and countryside access strategies.
Team Leadership & Management
Manage, motivate, and develop a team of PROW professionals.
Set objectives, undertake performance reviews, and support staff development.
Promote a culture of high performance, accountability, and customer focus.
Oversee procurement, contractor management, and partnership working.
Legal & Technical Leadership
Act as the authority's lead expert on PROW law and practice.
Oversee complex casework including:
- Maintaining and updating the Definitive Map, Statement and other PROW and highway records
- Investigating and processing Definitive Map Modification Order and Public Path -Order applications
- Enforcement cases and dispute resolution
Provide expert advice to elected members, senior officers, and legal teams.
Represent the authority at public inquiries, hearings, and court proceedings where required.
Network Management & Asset Oversight
Ensure the PROW network is safe, accessible, and compliant with statutory obligations.
Oversee inspection regimes, maintenance programmes, and asset management systems.
Lead initiatives to improve accessibility, resilience, and user experience.
Integrate PROW considerations into highways and infrastructure schemes.
Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement
Develop and maintain effective relationships with landowners, developers, user groups, parish councils, and statutory bodies.
Lead engagement with Local Access Forums and other advisory groups.
Manage sensitive negotiations and conflict resolution at a senior level.
Act as a key point of contact for members and senior stakeholders.
Planning & Development Control
Provide strategic input into planning policy and major development proposals.
Ensure PROW interests are protected and enhanced through the planning process.
Negotiate developer contributions and mitigation measures.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation (e.g. Highways Act 1980, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981).
Manage legal risk and ensure robust decision-making processes.
Prepare reports for committees, cabinet members, and senior leadership.
Maintain accurate records, including the Definitive Map and Statement.
Key Skills & Experience
Essential
Extensive experience in public rights of way, highways, or access management.
In-depth knowledge of PROW legislation, legal processes, and case law.
Proven experience managing complex casework and legal procedures.
Strong leadership and people management skills.
Excellent negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
Experience in budget management and service planning.
Ability to interpret legislation, legal documents, and technical plans.
High level of political awareness and experience working with elected members.
Proficiency in GIS and asset management systems.
Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
Experience representing an authority at Public Inquiries or hearings.
Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IPROW).
Experience of strategic policy development.
Knowledge of countryside access, sustainability, and active travel initiatives.
Qualifications
Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g. geography, law, planning, environmental management).
Leadership/management qualification (desirable).
Working Conditions
Hybrid working: office, site visits, and meetings.
Travel across the authority area.
Attendance at evening meetings (e.g. committees, public consultations).
Key Competencies
Strategic thinking and leadership
Decision-making and accountability
Influencing and negotiation
Customer and stakeholder focus
Legal and regulatory expertise
Communication and report writing
Additional Information
This role involves balancing statutory duties, public access rights, and landowner interests at a strategic level, often in high-profile or contentious situations.
