Role Summary & Benefits

Permanent
Full time 37 hours per week
 
We are looking for an ambitious and experienced leader to lead our Highways Intelligence Group (HIG) Team, an influential team at the heart of shaping and improving the way Highway Services are delivered across Devon.
 
This is an opportunity to drive performance, champion innovation and lead service transformation within one of the largest highway networks in the country. Working across operational, strategic and community-focused areas, you will play a crucial role in ensuring our services remain efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of residents, stakeholders and elected members.
 
As Principal Engineer, you will lead a number of critical functions, including:

• Driving performance management and continuous improvement across the Devon Highways Term Maintenance Contract.
• Leading innovation, digital transformation and service change programmes that deliver benefits for our customers and colleagues.
• Managing and developing our strategic partnership with WDM, including oversight of key highway management systems and technology.
• Delivering improvement initiatives that modernise processes, enhance efficiency and support the future direction of the service.
• Leading the Highways Liaison Team, helping to strengthen engagement with communities, stakeholders and local representatives.
• Developing and supporting community-led initiatives, including self-help and collaborative delivery schemes.
• Overseeing cost recovery arrangements arising from incidents affecting the highway network.
• Driving our carbon reduction agenda and supporting the transition to more sustainable highway services.
• Providing leadership for service-wide health and safety, training, and workforce development programmes.
• Working collaboratively to ensure strong links with the wider Highway Services Team.

This role offers the chance to influence strategic decision-making, lead a talented team, and make an impact on how highway services are delivered across Devon. We are seeking an inspirational leader who thrives on challenge, embraces innovation and is passionate about delivering excellent outcomes for communities and customers.

For an informal discussion please contact Clare Breckin, clare.breckin@devon.gov.uk. 
 
How to apply 
 
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.  
 
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply. 

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.   
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes – Working for Devon | Devon County Council 
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.   
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.  
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.  
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.  
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).  

Key Responsibilities

 Please click here to see the Job Description which includes the full key responsibilities.