Group Engineer Highways Contracts (Design)

Job Description

Job Summary

Salary: PO4 £44,711 – £47,754
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Hybrid – Merrion House, Leeds City Centre

About Us

Leeds City Council is the UK’s second-largest metropolitan local authority, serving a population of over 800,000. We are a values-driven organization with a strong ambition to be the best city council in the country.

As a rapidly growing city, Leeds has significant economic and housing expansion. Our role is crucial in supporting this growth while ensuring the safety and sustainability of our infrastructure. We have a strong leadership team dedicated to inclusive growth, tackling the climate emergency, and strengthening partnerships across the Leeds City Region and the Northern Powerhouse.

In recent years, we have successfully delivered an annual highways maintenance programme worth approximately £28 million, alongside internal and external partners. Our team has a proven track record in highway inspections and claims management.

About the Role

Due to an internal promotion, we have an exciting opportunity for a skilled professional to join our Highways and Transportation team. This is a senior role involving the management of a team of professional and technical design staff responsible for:

• The design, delivery, and review of highway works.
• Supervision and engagement of internal and external partners.
• Ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, council policies, and industry standards.

You will also provide expert guidance to internal teams, external consultants, and contractors to ensure the best possible Highways Asset Management design service. With numerous infrastructure projects underway to support the city’s ambition to be ‘The Best,’ this is an excellent time to join a forward-thinking workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of professionals within Highways and Transportation.
• Oversee the design and delivery of highway maintenance and improvement projects.
• Manage contracts with consultants and contractors for highways infrastructure work.
• Ensure cost-effective and high-quality service delivery.
• Develop and implement policies that support efficient service delivery and continuous improvement.
• Support the development of business cases for maintenance funding.
• Provide expert guidance on highway design, maintenance techniques, and sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with Construction Design Management (CDM) regulations and health & safety standards.
• Work collaboratively with elected officials, community representatives, and key stakeholders.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional with:

Essential Criteria

• Qualifications: Incorporated Engineer or extensive relevant experience, preferably in local authority highways design and maintenance.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of asset management, highway engineering, CDM regulations, street works legislation, and procurement procedures.
• Leadership & Management: Proven experience leading teams, managing contracts, and overseeing budgets.
• Communication & Collaboration: Ability to engage with stakeholders, present technical information clearly, and build strong partnerships.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Ability to manage competing priorities and drive continuous improvement.
• Digital & IT Skills: Proficiency in office software and digital solutions for asset management.
• Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Ability to promote equality, inclusivity, and best practices in service delivery.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience implementing change programmes and improving service quality.
• Understanding of sustainability in service delivery.
• Experience in public sector service management.

Working Arrangements

• Hybrid working: Office-based at Merrion House, with remote working flexibility.
• Full-time (37 hours per week) with flexible working options.
• Travel within Leeds is essential—applicants must have a valid driver’s license or an ability to travel effectively across the city.

How to Apply

If you have the skills, experience, and qualifications for this role, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your application before 23:59 on 25/03/2025, demonstrating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

For more information or an informal discussion, contact:
James Cockburn, Principal Engineer – Highways Contracts
Email: james.cockburn@leeds.gov.uk | Phone: 0113 378 7409

Why Join Us?

At Leeds City Council, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We value diversity and aim for a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

We are recognized in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024 and are proud to be an Age-Friendly Employer, Mindful Employer, and a Disability Confident Leader.

Additional Information

• All new hires are subject to a six-month probation period.
• Right to work in the UK must be established before employment. Sponsorship eligibility through the Skilled Worker Visa may apply—please check the latest government guidance before applying.

Join us and contribute to shaping the future of Leeds’ highways and infrastructure!