Design & Projects Manager in Bristol

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose: Make a real difference to the way people move around Bath & North East Somerset.

About the Area: Nestled between the Cotswold and Mendip areas of outstanding natural beauty, Bath & North East Somerset is a region that boasts both vibrant urban life and serene rural landscapes. The city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its historic architecture and Britain’s only natural thermal springs. This unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty makes Bath & North East Somerset a highly desirable place to live, work, and visit.

We are seeking enthusiastic and forward-thinking people to join our Design & Projects Team at a pivotal moment. Following several retirements and internal promotions, we are expanding our capacity that will help the Council meet its climate and transport ambitions.

About the team: Every journey in our area starts on streets we shape. In the Design & Projects Team, engineers and project staff work to turn policy into projects that change how people move—creating safer crossings and junctions, building cycleways and inclusive wheeling routes, improved facilities for bus users, and putting in place measures so walking becomes the easy, natural choice. If you want your work to be visible on the ground and valued by the community, this is where you’ll feel it every day.

About the role: We’re committed to sustainability, smart infrastructure, and improving people’s lives, and as Design & Projects Manager you’ll take the lead in delivering safe, sustainable, and resilient active travel and highway infrastructure across the district. Your leadership will directly influence the future of our highway network and support transformational change in how people travel. You’ll manage a skilled team of design engineers and project officers, and collaborate with contractors, stakeholders, and elected members to ensure our services are efficient, innovative, and community-focused.

What We Are Looking For: This role sits at the heart of the Council’s commitment to tackle the Climate and Ecological Emergency and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. We are looking for people who are passionate about designing streets and places that prioritise active and sustainable travel. For the Design & Projects Manager role, proven ability in leading and managing teams to deliver multi-million pound active travel and highway improvement programmes of work to ensure specified performance standards are delivered to programme and within the approved budgetary provision. Substantial experience of Active Travel and Highway Design at all design stages, including an excellent knowledge of Design Standards and guidance (including LTN 1/20, DMRB, MfS2 and Traffic Signs Manual). Substantial contractual knowledge of NEC4 contracts and the procurement, commissioning and management of external specialist services or contractors and consultants. Significant knowledge and understanding of health and safety legislation, including CDM, Risk assessments and Safe Working Procedures. Proven ability in leading, developing and managing a technical approval process for active travel, sustainable and regeneration projects. Proven experience and knowledge of leading and developing a Quality Management System to BS EN ISO 9001:2015. Excellent people management skills with a strong political awareness and proven ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including Cabinet Members and Councillors. Strong political awareness skills.

Why Join Us? As well as the local outcomes you will help shape, we are part of the West of England Combined Authority and have secured significant transport funding, leading to substantial investments in public transport, walking, and cycling improvements over the next five years. You will play a crucial role in ensuring these projects are delivered on time and within budget as well as ensuring that our services deliver on our commitment to “Improve People’s Lives”.

Work Environment: This role offers the flexibility of blended working, with time split between home and our award-winning Civic Centre in Keynsham, conveniently located between Bath and Bristol. Hot desking options are also available at the Guildhall in Bath.

Join Us: If you are ready to take Bath & North East Somerset to new heights, we want to hear from you. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact and help shape the future of our exceptional region. If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Paul Garrod, Head of Highways Delivery on 01225 394336 or Paul_Garrodbathnes.gov.uk.

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. Interview date: TBC. No Agencies Please. Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.