Highways Development Management Engineer

Job introduction

You can also see our full list of employee benefits on our careers site here: Why you should work for us | West Northamptonshire Council.

About the role

At West Northamptonshire Council, we’re looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Highways Development Management Engineer to join our Highways and Transport Service. You’ll be at the heart of shaping how new developments across the area impact our transport network, ensuring they deliver safe, high-quality and sustainable solutions.

In this role, you will assess the transport and highways impacts of planning applications, provide clear and practical technical advice, and negotiate with developers to secure the right improvements. You’ll play a key part in managing and coordinating developer contributions, including Section 106 and Section 278 agreements, and oversee the design and delivery of highways works funded by developers to ensure they meet the highest standards.

You’ll also work closely with colleagues, elected members, stakeholders and local communities to help create accessible, efficient and sustainable transport networks that support growth and improve quality of life across West Northamptonshire.

Additional information

You should have a solid understanding of highways engineering principles and the development management process, together with knowledge of planning legislation, transport policy, and sustainability issues relevant to local government. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as you will be working closely with colleagues, developers, planners, and other stakeholders to secure and deliver high-quality transport solutions.

You will be confident in reviewing technical drawings and transport assessments, able to provide clear advice and recommendations, and skilled at negotiating outcomes that balance growth with sustainable transport objectives. The ability to work independently, use your initiative, and manage competing priorities under pressure is vital.

Ideally, you will hold a degree in a relevant discipline such as civil engineering, highways, or transport planning, and have experience of preparing and presenting technical reports. Project management training and experience in handling Section 106 and Section 278 agreements would be an advantage, alongside a motivation to further develop your expertise in highways development management.

Company information

At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.

Our vision is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services.

We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential.  We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner

The following film was created by us to communicate our intentions - watch WNC colleagues explain what DEI means to us.

If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support.

Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so we recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

West Northants Council, where careers thrive.