Inspection Manager Service

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

LGPS pension

Hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council's Highway Risk and Inspections team seeks an experienced Inspections Manager to lead inspection programmes across Somerset's highway network. The role balances strategic oversight with practical problem-solving, ensuring safety, compliance and value for money through rigorous risk assessment and prioritised actions.

You'll work with contractors, colleagues and stakeholders, travel for site visits, and enjoy flexible, hybrid working arrangements while contributing to long-term

Qualifications

• Experience in highway, highways maintenance or related infrastructure with inspection knowledge.
• Technical understanding of highways engineering, legislation and standards.
• Ability to assess risks, analyse information and prioritise improvements.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with colleagues, contractors and the public.
• Qualified in civil engineering or related discipline with professional highway inspection experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee inspection programmes to keep highways safe and well maintained.
• Identify priorities, assess risks and recommend actions to protect users and meet statutory duties.
• Work with contractors and stakeholders to ensure services are delivered to a high standard.
• Monitor performance, quality and expenditure to achieve best outcomes.
• Provide expert advice to residents and elected members to support informed decisions.

Skills

Stakeholder liaison

Inspection planning

Risk assessment

Communication

Team coordination

Education

Civil engineering degree

Job description

The Highway Risk and Inspections team is responsible for helping keep Somerset's 6,600km highway network safe, resilient and fit for the future. Working across one of the country's largest local authority highway networks, the team provides the technical oversight, inspections and assurance that help protect road users and support effective investment in highway maintenance and improvement. As an Inspections Manager, you'll play a key role in shaping how Somerset's highway inspection service is delivered, ensuring risks are identified, priorities are managed effectively and high standards are maintained across the network. You'll work closely with colleagues, contractors and stakeholders, providing technical expertise that influences operational decisions and long-term planning. This is a varied role offering a blend of strategic oversight and practical problem-solving, where you'll have the opportunity to make a visible impact on highway safety, service quality and the experience of those who travel across Somerset every day. For experienced highways professionals looking to broaden their influence and contribute to a forward-thinking authority, this is an opportunity to help shape services that make a real difference to local communities.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Coordinate and oversee inspection programmes that help keep Somerset's highways safe, reliable and well maintained.
• Use technical expertise to identify priorities, assess risks and recommend actions that protect highway users and support statutory responsibilities.
• Work closely with contractors, colleagues and partners to ensure services are delivered efficiently and to a high standard.
• Monitor performance, quality and expenditure to help achieve the best outcomes from available resources.
• Provide expert advice and clear information to residents, elected members and stakeholders, helping to resolve issues and support informed decisions.

This is a varied role that combines office‑based working with regular travel across Somerset to attend meetings and carry out site visits. You'll spend time out on the highway network, visiting a range of locations including rural areas and occasionally private land where access is required.

The role offers a high degree of autonomy, and you'll often work independently when undertaking inspections and site visits. You'll need to be comfortable making informed decisions, assessing risks and working safely in a range of environments and weather conditions.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience working within a highway, highways maintenance or related infrastructure environment, with a strong understanding of inspection processes and highway safety.
• Sound technical knowledge of highways engineering, relevant legislation and industry standards.
• The ability to assess risks, analyse information and make informed decisions about priorities and service improvements.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with confidence working with colleagues, contractors, stakeholders and members of the public.
• A relevant qualification in civil engineering or a related discipline, together with professional highway inspection knowledge and experience.

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.