Rights Of Way Manager

Halesworth IP19 8EN or Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
37 hours per week (flexible working options available)
Reference: 13642

We’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities, and the environment.

If you are too, join us as a Rights of Way Manager and make a huge and meaningful impact.

Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Do you have experience in the Access and Natural Environment sector?

Would you like to work in an incredibly varied, challenging, and rewarding role?

Are you passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of people living and working in Suffolk?

Your role and responsibilities

You will be working across a large geographical area, leading a technical team in the delivery of maintenance and protection of the Rights of Way and Access network.

Engaging with a variety of stakeholders to respond to the changing demands and priorities of the team. Identifying and actively developing opportunities to improve the Rights of Way network and people’s ability to use it, in line with the Green Access Strategy.

In this role, you will:

• prepare, direct, and manage work programmes and projects, through staff, contractors, and volunteers, to required standards, including associated budget management and application of associated regulations
• deliver the effective protection of the public's rights to use the Rights of Way network including statutory enforcement, determining priorities, and leading high-profile and complex enforcement cases
• lead and direct the other Operational Rights of Way staff in monitoring and responding to reports, liaising with colleagues, and dealing with members of the public, landowners, parish councils, and Councillors
• act as a local champion for the Rights of Way and access network.

You will need:

• a degree or similar level qualification or equivalent experience
• detailed knowledge of Rights of Way and access maintenance and protection procedures, and legislation
• experience in managing staff and leading a team
• experience of managing legal enforcement procedures to protect public Rights of Way
• experience in specification and management of maintenance and capital works, through contractors and volunteers
• strong influencing and negotiating skills, particularly in a front-line service context
• to be a confident communicator with strong verbal and written skills
• strong organisational skills, able to prioritise and manage a high volume of work and competing demands.
• You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile on our website. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The Rights of Way and Access team is part of the wider Natural and Historic Environment area.

We are a friendly and professional team looking after Suffolk’s Rights of Way and access network. This includes 5,700km of public Rights of Way, open access and informal routes. Suffolk County Council’s ‘Suffolk Green Access Strategy 2020-2030’ covers the team’s main priorities with the vision “to get more people using and enjoying Suffolk’s green access network.”

The Operations Team sits within Rights of Way and Access, with the specific role of maintaining and protecting the Rights of Way network and developing and delivering practical work schemes.

We are highly motivated with a passion for Suffolk’s natural environment.

Shaping Careers and Learning

We want to champion talent and seek to continuously develop everyone’s professional knowledge, potential and job satisfaction. Through accessible learning opportunities and clear career pathways, we aim to identify individual strengths, diversify skill sets and enable people, from all walks of life, to build influential and impactful careers.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from minority ethnic and minority sexual orientation groups. These groups are currently underrepresented in this service.

For more information

For an informal discussion, please contact Claire Dickson (she/her) by calling 01284 741354 or email claire.dickson@suffolk.gov.uk

Closing date: 11.30pm, 5 February 2024.

We will review applications on a weekly basis, and we commit to keeping you informed throughout your application process.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. 

Suffolk County Council - welcoming diversity.