Stakeholder Relations Officer in Exeter

Are you interested in working with communities and stakeholders, using your communication and relationship-building skills to make a visible difference? Devon County Council is looking for three Stakeholder Relations Officers to join our Highways Intelligence Group. This is an exciting opportunity to help communities, businesses, councillors, and other stakeholders stay informed about highway works taking place across Devon.

Our team plays a vital role in supporting the successful delivery of highway schemes by making sure clear, timely and accessible information is shared in advance. By helping people understand what is happening, why it is needed and how disruption will be managed, you will help build trust, reduce impacts on local communities, and support the delivery of vital infrastructure improvements.

What will I be doing?

In this role, you will plan and coordinate engagement activity for a wide range of highway works and infrastructure projects. You will work closely with officers, councillors, contractors, businesses, and communities to make sure information is shared clearly and at the right time. You will help identify potential stakeholder concerns, support responses to enquiries, prepare communications and contribute to a more consistent and proactive approach to engagement across the service. This is a varied role where no two days will be the same. You do not need to be a highways expert. What matters most is that you are organised, proactive and confident working with a range of people and within a team. You will be supported to develop your knowledge of highways and the wider service.

Who are we looking for?

• Build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing.
• Listen to concerns and help identify practical ways to respond.
• Stay organised and manage competing priorities.
• Collaborate with technical colleagues and operational teams.
• Use good judgement when dealing with sensitive or high-profile issues.
• Bring a positive, professional, and proactive approach to their work.

Where is the role based?

While this role is contractually based in Exeter, you will have the flexibility to work from a network of satellite offices across North, South, East and West Devon, helping to reduce travel and support a healthy work-life balance. As a countywide role, there will be opportunities to work across different areas depending on service needs. We also support hybrid working and would be happy to talk through the flexibility available and what this could look like for you.

Who will I be working with?

You will be part of a small and supportive team of approximately six people, supported by a Senior Stakeholder Relations Officer. You will also work closely with officers and other colleagues who are passionate about delivering high-quality infrastructure projects for Devon’s communities. The role involves regular engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including county councillors, residents, businesses, contractors, and community representatives. Your work will help ensure that people have the information they need and that potential issues are identified and managed as early as possible.

What projects will I be working on?

Our projects are varied and wide-ranging. They may include anything from reactive safety repairs and routine maintenance through to larger infrastructure schemes such as bridges, cycle routes, footways, and major road improvements. This variety makes the role a fantastic opportunity to develop your knowledge, build strong relationships and contribute to projects that have a real impact on communities across Devon.

Supporting a green future

Devon County Council declared a climate emergency in 2019. Since then, decarbonisation has been high on the agenda when considering what we design, build, and maintain highway infrastructure. In this role, you will help explain our approach to stakeholders and support conversations about how works on the highway contribute to Devon’s wider environmental and net zero ambitions.

What benefits will I get?

You will get a competitive salary, plus a range of benefits, including:

• Opportunities to develop your career and progress within the organisation.
• 26 days annual leave increasing to 31 days.
• Additional leave increase after five years’ service (and up to 20 yrs).
• Training to support your career goals.
• Mentor support to help you gain professional qualifications.
• Flexible working hours, with the ability to accrue up to an additional 24 flex leave days per year.
• Time off for bank holidays – typically 8 per year.
• Access to Vivup employee benefits, Stagecoach Southwest discounts, and cycle to work scheme.

Interested?

If you are looking for a varied and rewarding role where your communication and relationship building skills can make a real difference, we would be pleased to hear from you. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Lucy Barrow on 01392 383000.

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note

If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply. DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.

Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.