Technical Lead - Highways Control (S.278 / S.38)

Matchtech; Wychavon; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech is seeking a Technical Lead - Highways Control for a contract role focused on leading the Highway Control function, ensuring compliance with national and local standards for developer-led highway works.

The role requires technical leadership, oversight of legal agreements, and governance. You will manage staff, relationships with planning authorities, developers, and internal teams, and drive improvements within delegated budgets.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficiency in managing budgets and resources.
• Commitment to public accountability and ethical governance.

Responsibilities

• Strategic & Operational Leadership: provide clear leadership for the Highways Control team and deliver service objectives.
• People Management: line-manage staff, recruitment, supervision and professional development.
• Technical Approval and Standards: act as technical lead for S278/S38 highway works and maintain standards.
• Legal Agreements and Governance: oversee instruction of legal services on S278/S38 and ensure governance trails.
• Development Management & Stakeholder Engagement: oversee end-to-end S.278/S.38 processes and engage with authorities and developers.
• Performance, Budget, and Continuous Improvement: manage resources within budgets and drive service improvements.

Skills

Highways development control

Technical leadership

People management

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Job description

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.