Senior Specialist - Highways Agreements

SOLOS Consultants Ltd; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 69,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

SOLOS Consultants Ltd is seeking a Senior Specialist - Highways Agreements for a 6-month contract. You will lead negotiations and management of Section 38/278 highway agreements, providing technical leadership and driving adherence to standards.

The role requires coordinating with developers, consultants and internal teams to deliver compliant highway infrastructure. You will review designs, manage risks, and supervise delivery within time and budget while mentoring colleagues in the Highways

Qualifications

• Proven experience negotiating, preparing and managing highway agreements (Section 38/Section 278).
• Solid knowledge of highway engineering principles, design standards and construction practices.
• Experience engaging developers and external stakeholders for technical approvals.
• Ability to manage multiple schemes, assess risks and resolve complex issues.
• Strong commercial awareness and contract/financial management experience.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to provide technical leadership and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiation, preparation and management of Section 38 and Section 278 highway agreements.
• Provide specialist technical advice on design standards, specs and policies.
• Oversee highway works to ensure timely, on-budget delivery meeting quality and safety standards.
• Manage relationships with developers, consultants, contractors and internal teams.
• Monitor compliance with designs, specifications and financial obligations.
• Identify risks and track developer contributions for governance/audit.

Skills

Highways agreements

Negotiation

Section 38

Section 278

Highways design

Stakeholder management

Contract management

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

Senior Specialist - Highways Agreements

6-Month Contract | £55 per hour Umbrella | Hybrid Working

Are you an experienced highways professional with a strong background in highway agreements, developer-funded infrastructure and technical approvals?

We are seeking a Senior Specialist - Highways Agreements for a 6-month contract opportunity, offering £55 per hour Umbrella with hybrid working. This is an excellent opportunity to take a lead role in managing complex highway agreements and supporting the delivery of safe, sustainable infrastructure.

The Role

You will provide senior technical expertise and leadership in the negotiation, management and delivery of highway agreements, including Section 38 and Section 278 agreements. Working closely with developers, consultants, contractors and internal teams, you will help ensure highway infrastructure is delivered in line with statutory requirements, design standards and local authority policies.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the negotiation, preparation and management of Section 38 agreements for the adoption of new roads and Section 278 agreements for works affecting the public highway.
• Providing specialist technical advice on highway design, construction standards, statutory requirements and local authority policies.
• Overseeing highway works to ensure schemes are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality and safety standards.
• Managing relationships with developers, consultants, contractors and internal stakeholders to resolve technical and contractual issues.
• Monitoring compliance with approved designs, construction specifications, maintenance requirements and financial obligations.
• Identifying and managing risks, monitoring developer contributions and maintaining accurate records for governance and audit purposes.
• Driving improvements to processes, procedures and guidance to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Providing technical leadership, guidance and mentoring to colleagues within the Highways Agreements team.

About You

You will be an experienced highways or civil engineering professional with a strong understanding of highway agreements and developer-funded infrastructure.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience negotiating, preparing and managing Section 38, Section 278 or similar highway agreements.
• Strong knowledge of highway engineering principles, design standards and construction practices, including DMRB and Manual for Streets.
• Experience working with developers and external stakeholders to secure technical approvals and deliver highway infrastructure.
• The ability to manage multiple schemes, assess risks and resolve complex technical issues.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience of contract and financial management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience preparing technical reports, formal correspondence and documentation for approvals and governance.
• The ability to provide technical leadership and support colleagues.
• A degree in Civil Engineering or a relevant subject is desirable, although extensive relevant professional experience will also be considered.

Contract Details

• Contract length: 6 months
• Rate: £55 per hour Umbrella
• Working arrangement: Hybrid
• Role: Senior Specialist - Highways Agreements