Team Manager - Highways Planning Liaison

Salary details: £ - £

We're looking for an experienced transport planning professional to lead our Highway Planning Liaison Team.

This is a varied and influential role overseeing the County Council's statutory highway consultee function, where you'll lead a team of specialist officers, providing expert advice on planning applications ranging from housing developments to major infrastructure schemes across Derbyshire.

As part of a busy and dynamic service, the team provides advice on over 4,500 planning applications and pre-application consultations annually, playing a key role in shaping future development and infrastructure.

Working closely with local planning authorities, developers, elected members and colleagues across the council, you'll help ensure new development addresses highway safety, accessibility, sustainable travel and impacts on the local transport network.

You'll also manage service performance, resources, and support continuous improvement, and promote the quality and consistency of the team's advice. The role includes providing expert guidance on complex and high profile proposals, supporting planning appeals and inquiries, and representing the Council in professional and stakeholder discussions.

What we're looking for

• Substantial experience in highway development management, transport planning, including managing or leading a professional technical team.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the statutory planning system, relevant highway and planning legislation, national and local policy, and the transport implications of new development.
• Significant experience of assessing complex development proposals, interpreting technical transport evidence and preparing clear, authoritative professional advice and reports.
• Experience of representing an organisation at planning committees, appeals, public inquiries or other formal proceedings, with the ability to communicate and defend technical advice.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with demonstrable experience of managing resources, competing priorities, service performance and delivering measurable improvements.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and partnership working skills, including experience of engaging with developers, planning authorities, elected members and senior stakeholders.
• A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience in transport planning, civil engineering, highways or a related discipline, alongside membership of, or commitment to professional development through, an appropriate professional institution.

What we can offer

• A senior leadership role with the opportunity to influence development across one of England's most diverse counties.
• Interesting and varied projects, from strategic housing developments to major infrastructure schemes.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous local government pension scheme.
• A comprehensive benefits package including annual leave, learning and development opportunities, and employee wellbeing support.

If you're passionate about transport planning, enjoy working in a collaborative environment and are looking for an opportunity to influence major developments across Derbyshire, we'd love to hear from you!

How to apply?

Please register and complete the shortened application form, then attach your CV and supporting statement - the supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 – outlining the skills, experience and leadership qualities you would bring to the role. Be sure to highlight how you would contribute to our strategic priorities and support our transformation journey. Please take a look at the attached JPP for more information.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Oliver Meek – Oliver.Meek@derbyshire.gov.uk  

Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 22nd November 2026 

Provisional Interview Date: Week Commencing 30^th November 2026

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be subject to service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.

Applications for this role must include a CV and a supporting statement, it’s easier than ever to apply! Just click on “Apply for this job”, register and upload your CV and supporting statement.