Highway Asset Principal Officer

You'll be working within the Policy and Programming team in highways asset management. For the right person this position provides opportunities to make a difference and to influence, innovate and evolve how Devon manages its highways assets on what is one of the largest road networks in country. 

There has been an evolution within the industry in how data is managed, collected, interpreted, and applied and as the Highway Asset Principal Officer you will be well placed to help steer the direction of the asset team for the future. 

We are looking for an experienced Engineer or Project Manager to lead our Policy and Programming team within the Asset Management group. You will be responsible for managing a team of Highway Engineers, Highway Asset Officers, and technicians in determining future works strategies based on sound asset management principles. You will be required to influence budget allocation, to develop works programmes on a range of complex capital projects, provide asset management guidance to other highway officers and manage and develop the suite of highways asset management policies. 

You will be an excellent communicator and problem solver who is able to generate solutions whilst remaining aware of the relevant policies and political sensitivities. You will liaise closely with the Asset Data Team, Materials Laboratory and Asset Delivery team in commissioning consultants and contractors, to monitor programmes and budgets, and to communicate with stakeholders across the authority and externally on programme development, innovation, and best practice. 

What type of projects will I be working on? 

Projects are typically highway related schemes that can range from single schemes to much larger multi-million-pound works programmes covering the entire county. 

As team leader you will also include the management of the highway depot stock in terms of budget expenditure and improvement prioritisation. Principally you will ensure the asset condition is regularly monitored and using data from those surveys to identify areas of future investment and to develop strategies to facilitate the delivery of future works programmes. Importantly as team leader you will be responsible for ensuring the suite of highway policies are current and fit for purpose in accordance with the Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan and to liaise with stakeholders on where changes are necessary. 

What benefits will I get? 

You’ll get a competitive salary, plus a range of benefits that include: 

• 26 days annual leave increasing to 31 after 5 years’ service. 

• Flexible hours with the ability to accrue up to an additional 24 flex leave days per year. 

• Time off for bank holidays – typically 9 per year. 

• A generous pension schemes. 

• Training to support your career goals. 

• Mentor support to gain professional qualifications. 

Where will I be based? 

Hybrid working is available to all. Our main office is in Exeter, where we spend at least two days a week. Our projects are based across Devon. 

What do I need to apply? 

A recognised degree/Incorporated Engineer or equivalent in an appropriate professional discipline with an established record of successful management. Experience of Project Management, ideally in an asset management context. 

What we can offer you 

Working for Devon County Council has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer. In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer: 

• 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays. 

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website; 

• Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme - available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life. 

• Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role). 

• Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme. 

For an informal discussion, please contact Paul Davis or Rob Turner on 01392 383000. 

Apply Now: https://www.devonjobs.gov.uk/job/Highway%20Asset%20Principal%20Officer%20-%20Ref%206431/ 

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages. • Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc. 

• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English. • Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the  Applicant privacy notice. • For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.