Job Description
Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
The Highways & Waste team are responsible for ensuring that Gateshead is a safe and attractive place in which people can live, work and spend free time. From waste strategy, including collection and recycling to the maintenance of our highways and street lighting. You’ve probably also noticed significant investment in the restoration of the Tyne Bridge, and our Highways team continue to play a pivotal role in that restoration project of a local landmark.
You will be responsible for the provision of technical advice and the preparation of designs and drawings for Civil Engineering schemes using Autodesk applications. You will also be responsible for the preparation of contract documentation and the supervision of works during construction. You will liaise with all interested parties to ensure effective project delivery and you will ensure compliance with Quality Assurance policies and procedures. Other duties may include the allocation of work to, and the supervision of, staff within the Highway Design Team as appropriate dependent on level of role
What you'll get to do:
- Prepare preliminary and detailed designs for highway projects, demonstrating a detailed knowledge of technical software and design guidance.
- Prepare detailed contract and health and safety documentation for highway projects in line with MCHW, NEC and CDM requirements and other Council policies.
- Monitor, manage and update progress of highway projects against scheme programs.
- Effectively co-ordinate and supervise works delivery on site of highway projects.
- Monitor and manage public and stakeholder consultations for highway projects.
- Manage, monitor and challenge financial and budget performance and other related issues within project delivery.
- Be proactive in all aspects of health and safety management to comply with current legislation, including CDM Regulations, and promote a culture of good health and safety practice within the working environment.
- Procure, validate, manage and disseminate relevant site and scheme information for highway projects.
- Prepare relevant detailed reports for various aspects of highway projects.
- Ensure compliance with appropriate specifications and codes of practice.
- Train and mentor other junior members of staff within the Highway Design team.
What you'll bring:
- Organisational experience in a highway design environment.
- Experience designing / managing small‑scale highway schemes.
- Experience working with stakeholders, suppliers, and external partners.
- Understanding of Civil Engineering procedures, Highways Design and construction.
- Proficient in the use of Civil Engineering design software (AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D or equivalent).
- Knowledge of highway design policies and practices.
- BTEC Nation Diploma in Civil Engineering or IEng with a relevant Civil Engineering body.
- Full UK driving licence.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. At Gateshead Council we are an employer who embraces, and welcomes diversity, who's truly inclusive and who demonstrates equality for all. We'll go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
How to apply
You can apply online using the link below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.