At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team and manage data to improve highways services for the community.
- Company: Join Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, a forward-thinking local authority.
- Benefits: Generous leave, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Exciting role with opportunities for professional growth and digital transformation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience with data management required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
- Terms and Conditions: Full Time, Permanent, 37 hours per week
- Department: Growth & Development – Highways & Transport
- Interview Date: w/c 10th Aug 2026
Are you an excellent communicator who can build strong relationships, solve problems and lead a team? Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Senior Data Management Officer to become the key link between the Highway Authority and our elected members, MPs and other important stakeholders. This is a unique opportunity to combine leadership, customer engagement and data management within a modern highways service that is continually improving the way it uses information and technology to deliver better outcomes for residents.
About the role
This is much more than a data management post. You will be the primary liaison between the Highways & Transport Service and ward councillors, ensuring enquiries are managed professionally, sensitively and efficiently. You will help elected members understand complex highway issues, provide clear and accurate advice, and build trusted relationships that improve communication between the Council and local communities. You will also lead and coach a small team of Data Management Officers, supporting their development, allocating workloads and ensuring high standards of customer service, accuracy and performance are maintained. Alongside this, you will oversee the quality and management of highways information, ensuring data is accurate, accessible and supports operational decision making, statutory duties and the delivery of highway services across the borough.
What we're looking for
We're looking for someone who enjoys working with people just as much as working with information. The successful candidate will have:
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work with councillors, MPs, senior officers and a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience of dealing with complex customer enquiries and explaining technical information in a clear, professional and approachable way.
- A positive leadership style with the ability to coach, mentor and motivate others to achieve excellent service standards.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands and manage sensitive enquiries.
- Experience of working with databases, information systems and producing meaningful reports from complex data.
- A passion for continuous improvement and using digital solutions to make services more efficient.
- Ideally, experience within highways, infrastructure, local government or a similar public service environment.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role within a forward-thinking Highways & Transport Service where digital transformation, collaboration and excellent customer service are central to everything we do. You'll work closely with elected members, senior managers and operational teams, helping shape how the service engages with communities while leading improvements in the management of highways information.
In return we offer:
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Excellent training and professional development opportunities.
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the communities of Blackburn with Darwen.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the paul.withington@blackburn.gov.uk
Senior Data Management Officer (Highways) employer: Blackburn with Darwen Council
Blackburn with Darwen Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible and hybrid working options, the council fosters a culture of inclusivity and innovation, empowering employees to make meaningful contributions to the transformation of Adult Social Care services. Join us to be part of a team that values diverse perspectives and invests in your development.
Contact Details:
Blackburn with Darwen Council Recruitment Team
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