Developing Highways Support Officer

Civic Recruitment Limited; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking a professional to provide technical support for highway development agreements under the Highways Act 1980, based at Shrewsbury with regular home working. The role supports delivery of Section 38 & 278 projects, ensuring design and adoption meet standards and legal requirements.

You will assess highway works, review third‑party designs, maintain records, and coordinate with councils, developers, consultants and contractors.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of highway development processes including Section 38 and Section 278 under the Highways Act 1980.
• Ability to review technical information, engineering drawings and development proposals.
• Strong organisational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience maintaining records, databases and project documentation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Process and oversee applications relating to Section 38 and Section 278 Agreements under the Highways Act 1980.
• Undertake technical assessments of highway works and review third‑party designs for alterations to the highway network.
• Approve highway designs in line with standards, legislation and council requirements.
• Create and maintain records, bonds, certificates and project information.
• Prepare legal instructions and support drafting, negotiation and completion of agreements.
• Monitor agreement progress to ensure legal agreements are completed before works start.
• Coordinate inspections, testing and supervision to support adoption of completed works.
• Liaise with internal teams, developers, consultants, contractors and other stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and drive best practices.

Skills

Highways development knowledge

Section 38 & 278 Agreements

Project coordination

Stakeholder management

Document control

Technical drawing review

Education

Qualified in highways/civil engineering/planning/transportation

Job description

Shrewsbury, United Kingdom | Posted on 09/06/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

6 Month Contract with A local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide professional and technical support for the administration, assessment, monitoring, and delivery of Section 38 and Section 278 Agreements under the Highways Act 1980. The role supports the Council’s growth and development objectives by ensuring highway infrastructure associated with new developments is designed, constructed, and adopted in accordance with legislative requirements, Council standards, and best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and oversee applications relating to Section 38 and Section 278 Agreements under the Highways Act 1980.
• Undertake technical assessments of highway works associated with new developments and review third-party designs for alterations or additions to the highway network.
• Exercise professional judgement to approve highway designs and ensure compliance with relevant standards, legislation, and Council requirements.
• Create, maintain, and update records and databases relating to Section 38 and Section 278 Agreements, including legal documentation, bonds, certificates, and project information.
• Prepare legal instructions and support the drafting, negotiation, and completion of Section 38 and Section 278 Agreements.
• Monitor agreement progress to ensure legal agreements are completed prior to the commencement of works on site.
• Negotiate and agree legal terms for small to medium-sized development schemes.
• Coordinate and monitor inspections, testing, and supervision activities to support the formal adoption of completed highway works.
• Maintain accurate project files, inspection records, testing results, and supporting documentation.
• Monitor development works through to completion and facilitate the issuing of completion and adoption certificates.Liaise with internal teams, developers, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure effective project delivery and communication.
• Support the wider Developing Highways Team in promoting risk-based asset management and continuous service improvement.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, procedures, and working practices while ensuring value for money.
• Respond to day‑to‑day enquiries relating to highway development agreements and associated works.
• Ensure all work is delivered in accordance with relevant legislation, codes of practice, guidance, and Council policies.

Requirements

• Experience working within highways, engineering, development management, infrastructure, or a related technical environment.
• Knowledge of highway development processes and an understanding of Section 38 and Section 278 Agreements under the Highways Act 1980.
• Ability to review technical information, engineering drawings, and development proposals.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience maintaining accurate records, databases, and project documentation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with sound professional judgement.
• Commitment to delivering customer‑focused services and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work effectively within agreed timescales and performance targets.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.
• Experience administering legal agreements relating to highway or infrastructure developments.
• Knowledge of local authority planning and highways processes.
• Experience liaising with developers, consultants, contractors, and legal teams.
• Relevant qualification in highways, civil engineering, planning, transportation, or a related discipline.

Additional Information

Location: Shirehall, Shrewsbury (with regular home working)