At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the management of 4500km of Public Rights of Way in Staffordshire.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council, a community-focused and ambitious organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a healthy work-life balance.
- Why this job: Shape rural access and make a real impact on local communities.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and experience in rights of way management required.
- Other info: Interviews are scheduled for October 2025; we value diverse backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Do you want to be instrumental in shaping the future of the Public Rights of Way and access provision for Staffordshire? This permanent, full-time role offers the opportunity to lead innovative approaches to the development and management of 4500km of Public Rights of Way across Staffordshire, deliver statutory functions, champion new approaches and respond to challenges. The role is typically office and depot based with hybrid working.
Main Responsibilities
- Deliver statutory duties related to Public Rights of Way (PROW), open access, and promoted routes across Staffordshire.
- Lead the strategic management of the PROW network, ensuring accessibility, sustainability, and legal compliance.
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, and improvement plans to enhance rural access and rights of way.
- Engage and consult with stakeholders, elected members, communities, and forums to support evidence-led decision making.
- Manage staff, budgets, and resources to deliver inspections, enforcement, maintenance, and improvements across the network.
- Integrate rights of way into infrastructure planning, while promoting innovation, volunteer involvement, and digital solutions to expand service capacity.
The Ideal Candidate
You will have:
- Qualified at degree level or equivalent in an appropriate discipline.
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of rights of way (highways) and access legislation and practice in England.
- Significant experience of rights of way procedures and management, including enforcement, dispute resolution, analysis of historical evidence and demand prioritisation.
- Significant knowledge and experience of risk assessment and management, safe systems of work and CDM regulations.
- Experience of budget management, procurement and contract management.
- Effective and strategic leadership and management skills.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills including ability to engage the public, collaborate with partners and constructively resolve disputes.
- Good IT skills including GIS.
- Ability to deal with difficult situations and resolve conflict.
- Current driving licence.
Interviews
Interviews will be held between 13 and 21 October 2025.
Additional Information
We’re happy to talk flexible working.
Don’t feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences and qualifications, so consider applying anyway. For an informal discussion, please contact Sarah Bentley, Head of Environment and Countryside, at sarah.bentley@staffordshire.gov.uk.
Our Recruitment Process
We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role.
About Staffordshire County Council
We are no ordinary county council.
Our values drive how we think and act and sit at the heart of our People Strategy. We are community minded, ambitious, and focused on a better future for Staffordshire.
Benefits and Equality
Our rewards and benefits support a healthy work-life balance. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. We are a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and offer a guaranteed interview if the minimum criteria are met.
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Rights of Way Manager employer: Staffordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Staffordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rights of Way Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific rights of way legislation and practices in England. Understanding the legal framework will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local community groups or forums related to public rights of way. This will give you insights into current challenges and opportunities, and show your proactive approach to stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your GIS skills, as they are crucial for managing and analysing the PROW network. Consider taking a short course or using online resources to enhance your proficiency before the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and resources in previous roles. Being able to discuss your experience in financial management will be key to demonstrating your suitability for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Rights of Way Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Rights of Way Manager position. Tailor your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your supporting statement, emphasise your experience with rights of way procedures, management, and any relevant legislation. Use specific examples to demonstrate your knowledge and how it applies to the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role requires effective leadership and management skills, provide examples of past experiences where you successfully led a team or managed projects. Highlight your ability to engage stakeholders and resolve conflicts.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: This is your chance to shine! Clearly articulate what you can bring to the role, focusing on your qualifications, skills, and experiences that make you a suitable candidate. Be concise but impactful.
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you have a solid understanding of rights of way legislation and practices in England. Brush up on key statutes and recent changes that may affect the role, as this will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively managed teams and resources in previous roles. Highlight your strategic leadership abilities and how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've resolved disputes or handled difficult situations. This is crucial for the role, so think of examples that showcase your conflict resolution skills and ability to maintain positive relationships.
✨Engage with the Community
Since the role involves engaging with various stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you've previously consulted with communities or worked collaboratively with partners. Show your passion for enhancing rural access and your commitment to community involvement.