Highways Inspector in Manchester

Working Hours

35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type

Full‑Time, Permanent

Closing Date

11.59pm, 20 January 2026

Interview Method

Face to Face

Role Overview

The Highway Safety Inspector will carry out thorough safety inspections and condition surveys of highways, public rights of way and field footpaths in accordance with prescribed codes of practice. The role requires maintaining accurate electronic records, liaising proactively with contractors to ensure effective repairs, conducting quality inspections of fix work, and supporting defence of accident trip claims, including attending court to give evidence when required.

Responsibilities

• Carry out safety inspections and condition surveys of highways and public ways;
• Accurately compile and update inspection records using electronic devices;
• Liaise with highway contractors to achieve efficient and effective repair of identified defects;
• Undertake quality inspections of defect repairs to ensure compliance with specifications and budget;
• Assist in the defence of accident trip claims and attend court to give evidence when required;
• Maintain awareness of legislation and Council policy, promptly reporting unauthorised activities or incidents;
• Erect and monitor effectiveness of public notices;
• Investigate reports relating to the public highway and issue work orders to address hazards;
• Liaise effectively with all relevant parties on matters relating to safe highway operation;
• Issue legal notices relating to defective third‑party apparatus;
• Provide high‑quality, customer‑focused, flexible and timely support to achieve service objectives.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 2 references (preferably covering a 3‑year history);
• Hold or be willing to work towards the LANTRA (Highway Safety Inspectors Modular Training and Assessment Certificate) qualification to carry out safety inspections on behalf of the Highway Authority;
• Excellent communication, analytical/problem‑solving, planning and organisational skills;
• Proficiency in ICT, administration and decision‑making;
• Right to work in the UK (proof required before commencement).

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance – up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service; leave purchase up to two additional weeks;
• A robust pension scheme, with life cover of three‑times salary as a lump sum;
• Enhanced parental and carers leave options;
• Brilliant perks – discounts on shops, holidays, phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more;
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships and qualifications;
• Membership of the Good Employment Charter – secure, flexible work and fairness across all stages of employment;
• Up to 3 days of pro‑rated paid volunteering leave.

Inclusive Team and Support

Manchester City Council is committed to creating a diverse workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We actively welcome applicants of all ages, ethnicities, genders, abilities and life stages, especially Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals, people with disabilities, recent care leavers and veterans.

We offer interview adjustments and accessible formats, including our ReciteMe tool for text‑to‑speech, multilingual translation, adjustable text size and colour.

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet our minimum shortlisting requirements and identify with at least one of the following criteria: armed forces personnel or veterans, current or former care leavers, and people with disabilities or long‑term conditions.

Disability Confidence and Adjustments

We are a disability confident employer. We provide a workplace adjustment hub, staff networks for disabled, neurodiverse and mental‑health colleagues, and a strong commitment to accessibility standards and disability‑friendly workplaces. Please contact jobs@manchester.gov.uk for further information or to request adjustments.

Pre‑Employment Checks

Successful candidates will be required to provide proof of right to work and references from current and previous employers.

Contact

For an informal discussion, please contact the hiring manager, Amanda Kenneally, amanda.kenneally@manchester.gov.uk.

AI and Privacy Notice

While AI can support your application, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and drawn from your own experience. Plagiarism may result in withdrawal of the application. All personal data will be handled in accordance with the council’s privacy policies.