There is a real vibrancy and excitement around County Durham and the council’s ambitious future aspirations for our residents and communities. We are the largest council in the region and are committed to playing a central role regionally and nationally. We’re a forward-thinking council with a strong sense of community. Our friendly people, fascinating history and beautiful natural environment, from the dales to the coast, are what makes our county great.
With the upcoming retirement of our current Highway Services Manager, we are now able to offer an exciting opportunity for an experienced and dynamic strategic manager to lead our highways service.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Reporting to the Head of Highways, this is an opportunity to make a real difference in a civil engineering environment. The role involves managing and leading a large multi-discipline team of over 250 staff, including the delivery of all operational activities across highways, street lighting and structures, utilising both in-house resources and external framework contractors. We also operate a high-quality design consultancy, providing cost-effective design solutions across these disciplines.
You will have responsibility for the effective management of the highways inspection and maintenance regime, the management of the operational stores for all front-line services and be responsible for the delivery of the winter and emergency response across the county. The budget associated with these activities is in excess of £40 million and therefore excellent budgetary control of large-scale revenue and capital budgets is essential.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
Applicants should be educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject or able to demonstrate equivalent extensive experience as detailed in the attached role profile.
BENEFITS AND REWARDS
We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:
* Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
* Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
* Hybrid working (home and office working).
* Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
* Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
* Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
* Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
* Discounted DCC gym membership.
* Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
* Trade Union membership.
* A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.
HYBRID WORKING
Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part-time roles and arrangements are at managers' discretion; alternatively, you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services. We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.
INTERVIEWS
It is anticipated that interviews will be held on 15th and 16th of April 2025. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
HOW TO APPLY
In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.
If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email on RecruitmentNCC@durham.gov.uk or telephone 03000 262727 – Option 4. #J-18808-Ljbffr