Development Management Engineer in Essex

Development Management Engineer

Location: Essex

Permanent, Full Time

Ringway Jacobs is seeking a capable and motivated Development Management Engineer to join our team supporting the Essex Highways Integrated Services contract with Essex County Council. You will lead technical reviews and oversee the delivery of highway schemes linked to development proposals, ensuring infrastructure is safe, compliant, and adoptable by the Highway Authority. This role requires strong technical expertise, stakeholder engagement skills, and a proactive approach to managing legal processes and planning obligations.

As a Development Management Engineer, you will act as a key technical authority for developer-led highway schemes. You will review designs, manage legal agreements (Section 38 and Section 278), and liaise with planners, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure projects meet statutory requirements and council standards. The role involves providing timely advice, resolving technical queries, and supporting the delivery of high-quality, sustainable infrastructure. You will also contribute to service improvements and deputise for senior engineers when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical reviews of developer highway designs to ensure compliance with planning obligations and technical standards
• Manage legal adoption processes (Section 38 and Section 278) accurately and on time
• Represent the Highway Authority in consultations with planning officers and developers
• Instruct and manage legal agreements to secure highway adoption
• Provide timely advice on highway issues to public and elected members
• Liaise with planners, developers, consultants, and district engineers to resolve technical queries
• Support delivery of adoptable infrastructure aligned with council standards
• Promote Health & Safety and ensure compliance with relevant policies and procedures
• Deputise for Senior Engineers and contribute to service improvement initiatives

Essential Skills & Requirements

• Degree or HNC in Civil Engineering or related field, with relevant highway experience
• Proven experience in technical approval of developer highway schemes
• Working knowledge of Section 38 and Section 278 agreements and relevant legislation
• Strong understanding of Highway Act 1980 and CDM 2015 Regulations
• Good project management experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Full UK driving licence (site visits required)

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience approving drawings and documents for planning-consented highway projects
• Ability to negotiate with contentious stakeholders and find common ground
• Experience instructing and negotiating legal agreements
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including data evaluation and solution recommendation