Highways & Project Manager

Section :
Highway Improvements Team, This role is responsible for the successful delivery of complex highway improvement schemes and supporting the delivery of the wider Highways Improvement Programme. Acting as NEC Project Manager for designated projects, the postholder will ensure compliance with contractual requirements, manage risks, budgets and maintain governance throughout the project lifecycle. The role combines technical, contractual, and leadership expertise to lead construction delivery from early contractor involvement through to project close-down, achieving agreed cost, quality, and time objectives.

It also provides programme-level support, ensuring alignment, stage gate compliance, and optimal resource use. Strong stakeholder engagement is essential, with the postholder expected to influence contractors and partners, represent the Council at key meetings, and maintain transparent communication. In addition, the role ensures robust financial and quality control, adherence to legislation and health and safety standards, and accurate record-keeping to support governance and audit requirements.

The postholder will also contribute to the development of policies, standards, and methods of working to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with wider Council strategies. You will work alongside a team of skilled and developing technical professionals at various levels, and you'll be expected to offer appropriate guidance and support to them. What will you be doing?

• Ensure highway schemes are delivered in full compliance with NEC contract requirements by managing risks, fulfilling contractual duties, and maintaining governance throughout the lifecycle.
• Engage and influence contractors and stakeholders at all levels through clear communication, collaborative problem-solving, and representation at meetings and consultations to secure buy-in and manage expectations.
• Lead the delivery of complex highway engineering schemes from early contractor involvement to close-down, achieving cost, quality, and time objectives through effective planning and coordination.
• Provide project management support across the Highways Improvement Programme, ensuring alignment, stagegate compliance, and optimal resource use for efficient delivery.
• Maintain quality and budget control across multiple programmes by monitoring budgets, managing performance, and implementing corrective actions to keep projects on track.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, health and safety standards, and Council objectives, embedding best practice and accurate record-keeping to support governance and audit requirements.
• Degree in a relevant engineering discipline or traffic / transportation discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (ICE / IHE / CIHT), Project management qualification (APM), NEC Project manager accreditation or equivalent status.
• Substantial experience and knowledge of how to deliver highway schemes and / or design and construction types.
• Advanced knowledge of theory and practice, including regulations, legislation and processes relating to area of work such as construction, highways or engineering.
• Substantial knowledge of application of contract and project management, including cost and quality control.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of health and safety legislation and its application to engineering, construction, maintenance, and repairs.
• Ability to supervise the site-specific contract delivery teams.
• A proactive, problem-solving approach and strong communication skills
• Ability to plan projects and programmes, including the work of others, such as team members, consultants and contractors.
• Ability to persuade and influence a wide range of internal and stakeholders, and influence teams of technical or professional staff.
• Ability to work from our central offices and project site offices a minimum 2 days a week
• Must be able to travel, using public or other forms of transport where they are viable, or by holding a valid UK driving license with access to own or pool car.

We're looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters…