Highway Structures Works Manager in Ipswich

Suffolk County Council Address: Phoenix House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5NP, hybrid working

Salary: £40,777 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Hours: 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available

Contract: Permanent

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship due to the associated salary level, which does not meet the minimum requirements for a Skilled Worker visa.

Your role and responsibilities

You will be working within the team responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and construction of highway structures, working in collaboration with the Highway Services Contractor and their supply chain partners. The team is responsible for inspecting and assessing a wide range of structures throughout the county and for prioritising, developing and implementing maintenance and strengthening works required to ensure that structures remain safe for use and fit for purpose. The work requires collaboration with a wide range of other teams and organisations, both internal and external, to ensure the successful delivery of the service. In addition to taking personal responsibility for your own work the role also involves guiding and supporting other technicians and colleagues working alongside you.

You will need:

• a level 6 qualification (e.g. BSc, BEng degree or equivalent) in civil or structural engineering to hold Engineering Technician status and/or working towards (or preferably hold) Incorporated Engineer status
• knowledge of structural behaviour and experience in the inspection, design, assessment and management of such
• experience of bridge and structures design management over a reasonable time period and been successful in delivering a range of bridge or structures projects
• knowledge, awareness and practical application of bridge and structural design, inspection and maintenance techniques, including the appropriate application of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and other relevant structural codes of practice and guidance
• understanding of relevant health and safety legislation and codes of practice (including the CDM Regulations 2015)

You can view a full list of requirements in the JPP, which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

Suffolk Highways is a collaboration between Suffolk County Council and private sector service provider(s) to meet the primary objective of maintaining the highway network and infrastructure in Suffolk. We work together to achieve the best that we can and support one another in our work as one team. We look ahead so that we may better inspire each other to continually improve and take pride in what we do and the service that we provide to our customers. We make things happen by empowering, encouraging and motivating our colleagues and by showing respect to all people that we work with and for. We collaborate and work as one team to provide the best possible highways service for Suffolk.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible Working: Options include part-time, job sharing, compressed hours, flexitime, hybrid/home working, and adjusted core hours.
• Supportive Environment: Active staff networks, inclusive culture, and a focus on wellbeing.
• Career Development: Accessible career paths and CPD support.
• Values-Driven: We live our WE ASPIRE values and Customer Commitment, shaping how we work and serve Suffolk.
• Impact: Be part of projects that improve lives and communities across Suffolk.

Empowering Everyone

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Colin Godfrey for a casual conversation. You can contact him by calling 07733 318145 or emailing colin.godfrey@suffolkhighways.org.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word). Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application. Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).

• Tell us about a time when you developed and managed a risk‑based maintenance or works programme for structures assets, including how you prioritised the work?
• Describe a complex structures project you have delivered from initial brief through to completion. What were the main challenges, and how did you ensure the project was delivered successfully?
• Give an example of when you used inspection data, structural assessments or technical reports to make a decision about maintenance, strengthening or reconstruction works?
• Describe a time when you had to respond to an urgent infrastructure issue or emergency incident. How did you assess the situation, coordinate the response and communicate with others?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details). Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 7 July 2026. Interview date: week commencing, 20 July 2026.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.