Our client, in the highways sector, is currently seeking a Technical Lead - Highways Control (S.278 / S.38) to join their team on a contract basis. This role involves providing technical leadership and operational management for their Highway Control function, ensuring compliance with national and local standards for developer-led highway works.
Purpose of Job:
- To provide technical leadership, professional oversight, and operational management of the Highway Control function, ensuring compliance with standards and suitability for long-term maintenance.
- Lead on the technical approval process, oversee the preparation and delivery of highway legal agreements, and maintain the Council's technical standards.
Main Activities & Responsibilities:
1. Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Provide clear leadership and management for the Highways Control team, ensuring delivery of service objectives.
- Translate service and corporate priorities into operational delivery plans.
- Act as a senior professional lead on highways development matters.
- Oversee service delivery improvements and efficiencies.
- Deputise for the Highways Development Management & Control Manager as required.
2. People Management
- Line-manage staff, including recruitment, supervision, and professional development.
- Foster a positive and high‑performance culture aligned with organisational values.
- Support workforce resilience and skills development.
- Provide leadership through organisational change.
3. Technical Approval and Standards
- Act as the technical lead for the approval of highway works under Section 278 and Section 38 of the Highways Act.
- Ensure all schemes comply with Worcestershire County Council's adopted highway standards and national standards.
- Lead the development and maintenance of the Council's Technical Standards and Guidance.
4. Legal Agreements and Governance
- Oversee the instruction of legal services on S278 and S38 agreements including technical inputs and calculations.
- Ensure appropriate governance, record keeping, and audit trails for all highway agreements.
- Provide technical input to reports and senior management briefings.
5. Development Management and Stakeholder Engagement
- Oversee the end-to-end S.278 / S.38 processes to ensure efficient project management and delivery.
- Provide expert technical advice on major development proposals, working closely with planning authorities, developers, and internal teams.
- Represent the Highway Authority at meetings and public inquiries.
- Manage relationships with stakeholders, including elected Members and senior developers.
6. Performance, Budget, and Continuous Improvement
- Manage resources within delegated budgets, ensuring value for money and effective use of staff and developer contributions.
- Monitor and improve performance against agreed service standards.
- Lead service improvement, innovation, and digital transformation initiatives.
Job Requirements:
- Experience with Section 278 and Section 38 agreements.
- Strong background in highways development control.
- Technical leadership and people management skills.
- Expert knowledge of national and local highway standards and regulations.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Proficiency in managing budgets and resources.
- Commitment to public accountability and ethical governance.
If you are an experienced professional in highways control and looking for a new opportunity to lead and shape the delivery of highway works, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our client's dedicated team.
