At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage maintenance activities for South Wales' trunk road network.
- Company: Join a supportive team at SWTRA, making roads safer and greener.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and excellent pension contributions.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on infrastructure while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic leadership and operational management required.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 49282 £ per year.
Job reference: REQ05456
Date posted: 18/05/2026
Application closing date: 08/06/2026
Location: Coryton
Salary: Total Reward Package starting from £54,989* | Starting Salary: £45,091 ‑ rising to £49,282 (Plus £3k market supplement).* *Subject to being a member of the local pension scheme and includes current market supplement.
Package includes:
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Local Government Pension Scheme with 15.3% employer contributions
- Discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
- Excellent development opportunities
Contractual hours: 37 hours basis, full‑time.
Job category/type: South Wales Trunk Road Agent (SWTRA).
At SWTRA, we help create a road network that connects people and places in a safer, greener and more reliable way. We work on projects across South Wales that address some of the country's most critical challenges. From complex infrastructure, increasing transport needs, and climate change – we combine innovation, expertise, and technology to make South Wales a better place to live, work and visit. We promote diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to a supportive, respectful work environment with great opportunities for growth.
Responsibilities:
- Provide visible and effective strategic and operational leadership in planning, prioritisation and delivery of all routine, cyclic and reactive maintenance activities to keep the trunk road network safe and serviceable.
- Prepare, implement and continuously develop policies, procedures and operational frameworks governing maintenance and network management in line with the Trunk Road Maintenance Manual, Highways Act 1980, Traffic Management Act 2004, New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991 and Welsh Government requirements.
- Act as accountable custodian of the motorway and trunk road network, responsible for network condition, performance, compliance and long‑term sustainability through risk‑based asset management.
- Lead, manage and optimise the programming and delivery of maintenance works across all asset groups including carriageways, drainage, soft estate, safety fencing and traffic signals.
- Oversee the development and delivery of the Category 2 minor capital programme, ensuring effective prioritisation, governance and delivery within budget.
- Lead and direct the response to incidents, emergencies and severe weather events, ensuring coordination and minimal disruption.
- Establish and maintain governance‑compliant systems and processes for routine maintenance, development control and delegated statutory functions.
- Take ownership of contractor and supply chain performance through monitoring, auditing and continuous improvement.
- Design and manage performance frameworks, analysing operational and financial data to inform decision‑making and report to management.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, driving innovation, efficiency and best practice.
- Build and manage strategic stakeholder relationships with Welsh Government, local authorities and contractors.
- Represent SWTRA at meetings, forums and working groups as key operational and technical lead.
- Lead, manage and develop teams, promoting performance, accountability and professional development.
- Ensure effective financial management including budgeting, forecasting and cost control.
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, environmental and quality standards within the Integrated Management System.
- Contribute to wider organisational strategies relating to sustainability, resilience and customer outcomes.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh; applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Benefits:
- Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve work life balance
- Competitive employee package with a 15.3% employer pension contribution
- Holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years' service (plus 8 bank holidays)
- Discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
- Cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
- Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
- Exclusive discounts at local and national retailers via the Smart Spend app through the staff wellbeing group.
If you would like to start a rewarding career with an organisation that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.
We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability or are armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or are going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or have been made redundant.
At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot. We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees. We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.
Area Engineer East (SWTRA) employer: NPT Pass
At SWTRA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive total reward package that includes generous holiday entitlement, a robust pension scheme with significant employer contributions, and excellent opportunities for professional development. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing employees to make a meaningful impact on the road network in South Wales while enjoying benefits like hybrid working options and exclusive discounts. Join us in creating a safer, greener, and more reliable transport system, where your contributions are valued and your growth is supported.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Engineer East (SWTRA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at SWTRA on LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching SWTRA's recent projects and challenges. Show us that you're not just interested in the role, but also in making South Wales a better place!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to leadership and project management. We want to see how you handle real-world scenarios, so think of examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining Team NPT.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Engineer East (SWTRA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the Area Engineer role. We want to see how you can contribute to making South Wales a better place!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves strategic and operational leadership, don’t forget to include examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and manage effectively!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate when candidates communicate their ideas effectively without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into the running for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at NPT Pass
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of the Area Engineer role. Brush up on the Highways Act 1980 and Traffic Management Act 2004, as well as any recent projects SWTRA has undertaken. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves strategic and operational leadership, be ready to discuss your past experiences in managing teams and projects. Prepare specific examples where you’ve led initiatives or improved processes, especially in maintenance or infrastructure.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle emergencies or severe weather events. Think through potential scenarios and how you would ensure minimal disruption while maintaining safety and compliance. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The job requires building relationships with various stakeholders. Be prepared to talk about your experience in stakeholder management. Highlight any successful collaborations you've had with local authorities or contractors, as this will show you can effectively represent SWTRA.
