Highway Engineer Ref 000A 09D0 / 1

Essential Employment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in highway management is seeking an experienced Highway Engineer to support legal closures and manage applications under the Highways Act and Town Planning Act. The role involves liaising with various stakeholders, drafting essential documentation, and ensuring compliance with statutory procedures. This position is ideal for a motivated individual with a strong understanding of highway legislation and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Highways Act 1980 and Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
• Experience in highways processes and managing applications.
• Proficient in drafting legal documents and liaising with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage stopping up and highway closure processes.
• Conduct consultations and site visits, attending public inquiries when necessary.
• Draft legal documents, notices, and reports.

Skills

Organisational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS

AutoCAD

Job description

2 days a week in the office. May be required in magistrates court. Days TBC.

Highway Engineer – Stopping Up and Legal Closures

Job Purpose:

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Engineer to join our Highways team with a specialist focus on processing and managing stopping up and other legal highway closure under the Highways Act 1980 and the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. You will take ownership of these applications, ensuring that statutory procedures are followed, consultations are managed effectively, and legal orders are delivered in a timely and lawful manner.

In addition to this core responsibility, you will support the delivery and technical review of Section 278 and Section 38 highway agreements, particularly during period of lower demand in the stopping up workstream.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on all stopping up and highway closure processes, including liaising with applicant, legal services, planning officers and the public.
• Manage and maintain a register of stopping up applications and provide progress updates to stakeholders.
• Interpret and apply relevant legislation and policy.
• Draft reports, legal notices, and formal orders in conjunction with legal services.
• Conduct site visits, consultations, and attend court hearings or public inquiries where necessary.
• Provide technical support on Section 278 and Section 38 agreements – assessing design submissions, inspecting works on site, and ensuring compliance with council standards.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to performance reporting.
• Assist with policy development and process improvements relating to highway closures and legal agreements.
• Represent the council at internal and external meetings as required.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria:

• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, including the Highways Act 1980 and Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
• Experience handling statutory processes related to highways, public rights of way, or planning approvals.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple applications and meet statutory deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft clear reports, notices, and correspondence.
• Experience in liaising with a range of stakeholders, including legal teams, developers, local authorities, and the general public.
• Ability to interpret legal documents and plans.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in managing legal processes.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and document management systems (GIS, AutoCAD, or similar).

Desirable Criteria:

• Previous experience working within a local authority, highways authority, or legal environment.
• Knowledge of Sec.278/Sec.38 processes.
• Knowledge of public consultation processes.
• Experience of presenting at committees, public meetings, or inquiries.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIHT, RTPI) or working towards

Due to high volumes of CVs received, we are not able to respond to all unsuccessful applications. You will always however hear from us by phone if we are able to take your CV forward to the next stage.

If you are interested in the role please apply on our website with your CV, alternatively you can email your CV to [e-mail] the reference number.

Essential Employment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Essential Employment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

All our roles may be subject to pre-employment checks including references so please beprepared.

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