Highways Inspection Manager

Wirral Council is a place where you can genuinely make a difference, guided by strong organisational values that shape everything we do. Our values—ambitious, professional, resident‑focused and accountable—act as our organisational DNA, influencing how we work, lead and support one another every day. We take pride in delivering great services, acting with integrity, building positive relationships, and always putting residents first, creating a supportive and inclusive culture where everyone can “be the best we can be”. With our beautiful surroundings, ambitious future plans, and a commitment to empowering staff to #BeTheDifference, Wirral Council offers an inspiring environment to grow your career and make a lasting impact.

As our Highways Inspection Manager, you will take operational responsibility for the management of the Council’s highway inspection service, overseeing strategic highways contracts and leading a dedicated team of Apprentices, Inspectors and Team Leaders. You’ll ensure that inspection programmes are delivered on time, to budget, and in line with statutory requirements—including Section 41/58 Highways Act duties—and you will act as the Council’s lead officer for third‑party highway claims, representing Wirral Council in court where required. This role also carries special responsibility for managing the Council’s Highways Winter Service, including decision‑making on forecast data, directing operational responses, and acting as Senior Duty Officer on a rotational basis.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and developing a proactive, high-performing inspection team.
• Managing the delivery of highway safety, serviceability and compliance inspections.
• Ensuring all contractor activity is monitored, meets standards, and delivers value for money.
• Coordinating responses to customer enquiries and supporting neighbourhood‑based working.
• Overseeing training, competence and development of inspection staff.
• Providing robust evidence to support the Council’s Section 58 defence against claims.
• Working closely with internal and external partners, including utility companies, tree management teams, and contractors.
• Managing operational data to support asset planning and strategic decisions.
• Leading the Winter Service operations, including directing treatments and managing budgets.
• Ensuring strict compliance with health and safety, GDPR, corporate governance and all relevant legislation.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings strong leadership, technical expertise, and confidence in decision‑making. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment, often dealing with competing priorities and high levels of responsibility. You will have:

• HNC/HND in Highway or Civil Engineering (or equivalent).
• ILM Level 3 or similar leadership qualification.
• Street Works and Health & Safety qualifications.
• Strong understanding of highway legislation, inspections, materials and maintenance practices.
• Experience overseeing highway inspection teams and working with term maintenance contractors.
• Knowledge of Winter Service operations and interpreting complex weather data.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence, collaborate and negotiate.

Desirable qualifications include degree-level technical study, professional membership (CIHT/ICE), and IT-related credentials.

If you wish to discuss this role or require further information, please contact Linda Summers on email lindasummers@wirral.gov.uk.

Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process. All candidates must either already have a right to work in the UK before commencing employment or meet the Home Office criteria for Visa sponsorship.

Working at Wirral, you’ll benefit from our track record of developing, growing and investing in our people. We have a range of staff benefits including staff discounts, enrolment into the local government pension scheme (an excellent defined benefit scheme), immediate life cover and ill-health protection. We have a strong flexible working approach, hybrid working, family-friendly employment initiatives and an annual leave package starting with 28 days leave plus public holidays.

We embrace diversity in our workforce and recognise it is critical to our success. We support an inclusive culture that champions differences and nurtures a sense of belonging. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds, who share our values and our commitment to inclusion to apply for roles with us.

Please note that in accordance with the Council’s policy, employees who are in a formal redeployment situation will be considered in the first instance for all vacancies. Applications will be accepted until midnight on the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications.