Highways Inspector

Job Overview

Manchester City Council is seeking a dedicated Highways Inspector to join the Network Management team within the Highways division. This full-time, permanent position is based in the South Manchester and Airport area. The role operates on a 35-hour work week and requires onsite presence, including use of your own vehicle supported by an essential car allowance.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical advisor to Permit Officers, colleagues, and contractors regarding permit and roadwork activities.
• Lead negotiation efforts with contractors and supply chain partners to ensure effective delivery of works.
• Resolve complex, escalated issues related to highway operations and permit systems.
• Ensure adherence and consistency across Greater Manchester Road Activity Permit Scheme (GMRAPS) permits and development projects.
• Collaborate with permit applicants to facilitate successful application processes.
• Manage coordination of planned events and respond to unplanned incidents impacting highway network safety and efficiency.
• Communicate with businesses, neighboring local authorities, Manchester Airport, and emergency services regarding ongoing and upcoming works or incidents.
• Support Event & Network Coordination Specialists in troubleshooting network operation challenges.
• Verify acquisition of all required legal permits and enforce traffic management measures to minimize impact and ensure safety.
• Conduct thorough on-site inspections of live roadworks, adhering to GMRAPS inspection standards.
• Plan inspection routes and schedules to maximize coverage and provide daily support and query resolution to relevant teams.
• Handle day-to-day coordination tasks such as early entry permissions and traffic management compliance with statutory undertakers, liaising as needed with Traffic and Events officers.
• Perform additional inspections including Section 74, third-party works, Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs), and permit condition compliance.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role level as assigned.

Candidate Profile & Requirements

• Experience in visual inspection of live roadworks and coordination of highway works is preferred.
• Ability to manage routes, schedules, and effectively support Permit Officers and management on queries.
• Good computer literacy, particularly with Microsoft Office applications.
• Full valid driving licence and access to a personal vehicle for work purposes, qualifying for Essential Car User allowance.

Additional Details & Organizational Culture

Manchester City Council is committed to transforming public sector services by cultivating talent and fostering innovation. The role is aligned with the council's vision of creating a fairer, greener, and healthier city. The working environment emphasizes collaboration, respect for diversity, and continuous improvement guided by the Council's core values.

Working Conditions & Benefits

• Standard 35-hour workweek.
• Permanent full-time contract.
• Essential Car User allowance for use of personal vehicle at work.
• Generous annual leave: 26 days plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service, with options to purchase extra leave.
• Enrollment in the extensive UK local government pension scheme with various benefit options.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave policies.
• Access to discounts and perks including retail savings, cycle to work scheme, flu vaccinations, eye tests, and more.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities from onboarding through apprenticeships and qualifications.
• Paid volunteering leave of up to three days prorated annually.

Equality and Inclusion

The council is an Equal Opportunities Employer, welcoming applicants irrespective of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Initiatives include Disability Confident employer status and various support networks aimed at fostering an inclusive workplace.

Application Requirements and Notes

• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; sponsorship is not provided.
• Two professional references are required, ideally covering 3 years; additional pre-employment checks apply.
• Interviews will be conducted face-to-face.
• Use of Artificial Intelligence tools in application submissions is permitted but must be truthful and based on the candidate's own experience; plagiarism will lead to withdrawal or disciplinary action.
• Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made upon request to ensure accessibility.