Job Description

About the role

As a Principal Development Engineer at Cheshire East Council, you will play a key role in shaping the borough's transport infrastructure. This senior technical position involves managing and reviewing third-party highway works, ensuring designs meet safety, legal, and quality standards while protecting the Council's long-term interests. You will lead on complex legal agreements, financial risk management, and stakeholder engagement, driving innovation and consistency across highway development processes.

Organisation

Cheshire East Council

Location

Crewe

Job Category

Highways and Transport

Grade

CEC NJC - Grade 10

Salary Min

41,771 per annum

Salary Max

48,072 per annum

Hours per week

37

Weeks per year

52.143

Employment Type

Permanent

Closing Date

16/01/2026

Ref No

E3391
Cheshire East is an amazing place to live and work. As one of the largest employers in the borough, we are able to offer you a wide range of challenging and rewarding career opportunities.



At Cheshire East Council we are working for a brighter future - together and our commitment to you is that our workplace culture will provide a shared purpose, a well-led organisation with valued people succeeding together as one team and one council to deliver the best service for our customers and communities.



If you want to be part of our award-winning council and contribute to our ongoing success, have the flexibility and drive to enable us to innovate, are committed to working as part of a team and striving to deliver exceptional service wherever you can, we would especially like to hear from you.



As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our local communities so that we can all work for a brighter future - together.



Brighter Future



www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/employee-benefits.aspx

To succeed in the role, you will have:

Qualifications and Experience

Recognised qualification in a relevant or related field (e.g. highways or transportation). Post-qualification experience in a highways or transportation environment. Proven track record in managing, monitoring, and reviewing the design and implementation of highway works. Experience in preparing and enforcing statutory legal agreements under the Highways Act and related legislation.

Technical Knowledge

In-depth understanding of Highway Law, Planning Law, and statutory procedures. Knowledge of Highways Act 1980, Planning Act, New Roads and Street Works Act, and CDM Regulations. Familiarity with development control policies, health and safety regulations, and financial risk management. Awareness of transport network management and its role in achieving environmental and transport objectives.

Skills and Tools

Ability to lead, influence, and enthuse teams and stakeholders. Strong planning, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Competent in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and specialist tools such as AutoCAD and adoption management systems. Capable of preparing technical designs, safety audits, and legal documentation.

Communication and Flexibility

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to convey complex ideas clearly. Skilled in stakeholder engagement and partnership working. Flexible approach to work with willingness to travel across the borough. Ability to converse at ease with customers and provide accurate advice in spoken English.




For further information please contact Paul Griffiths via email; paul.griffiths@cheshireeast.gov.uk or for an informal chat about the role please contact Paul Griffiths on 01270 686353 or Simon Skates on 07887 631528.



Please ensure you check the email account (including junk/spam boxes) from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.



If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date then it is likely that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion, however please do not be discouraged from applying again.



For any technical enquiries please email sourcingteam@ecwip.co.uk



Please quote job reference number in all correspondence.