Job Description

Senior Clerk of Works (Development Management)
Permanent, Full Time
38,959 - 45,833 per annum
Location: Chelmsford*
Working Style:
Closing Date: 18th September 2025
*This is a hybrid-working role, with a requirement to work at a functional work location 2-3 days per week on average, depending on business need.
Essex Highways is responsible for managing and maintaining one of the largest highway networks in the country: 5,000 miles of roads and around 5,000 miles of footways.
Working on the Essex Highways Integrated Services contract in partnership with Essex County Council. The key purpose of the role is to ensure construction of developer's highway infrastructure works and Vehicle Crossings (both new highway construction and improvements to the existing highway network) are acceptable to the Highway Authority for adoption as public highway, maintainable at the public expense.
The role requires an attention to detail and careful monitoring of the quality of construction of highway works associated with approved planning consents, as to ensure construction is in accordance with planning obligations and the policies of the County Council, and to ensure the longevity of the works is maximised as far as reasonably practicable.
The individual will need to communicate effectively with Developers and project stakeholders to address technical and safety concerns, provide guidance, and report regularly to the Development Management Engineer on project progress.
The role is responsible for ensuring that the required standards of new works carried out by third parties on the public highway and new highway to be adopted by the County Council as part of its highway network are met. This role is in support of the Development Manager who has overall responsibility for non-statutory third party works on the highway network.
Accountabilities
Work with the Development Management Clerk of Work/Inspection team and wider Development Management technical teams to carry out the following:

• Undertake site-based quality inspection relative to new road construction and alterations to the existing highway in order to validate its compliance with the approved drawings/specification, best practice and programme. Responsibility for ensuring all materials used meet our testing requirements.
• To prepare and assist in the management and monitoring of works programmes or services.
• To provide timely and accurate advice to County Councillors, District Members, Parish Councils and the general public on all highway-related matters, as required.
• To produce weekly detailed reports and identify remedials and non-compliance to drawings as works proceed.
• The checking of all Traffic Management layouts, providing expert advice on construction methods to minimise impact on the network in liaison with the NRSWA Team.
• Monitor works for compliance with approved drawings/specification and ensure they are constructed in accordance with the Development Construction Manual, Design Manual of Roads and Bridges, NRSWA 1991 and TMA 2004 requirements. Inspections to vary according to complexity of scheme. Ensure all setting out is correct and that works are of a high standard.
• Ensure that works meet the standard required in the relevant specification. All work should meet the requirements of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and other construction/H&S related law.
• To observe the contractor's operational compliance with Health and Safety legislation. and to bring to their immediate attention all noted instances of non-compliance.
• To manage and mentor their direct reportees as well as assist the wider Clerk of Works and Engineer teams.
• To manage the Vehicle Crossing inspection process as well as deal with any technical complaints/queries.
• To carry out H&S audits of construction activities on Developer funded S278 and Minor works schemes.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

The Experience You Will Bring

• HNC, or equivalent qualification, or experience in highways and desirable a Membership of the Institute of Clerk of Works.
• A candidate must have NRSWA accreditation supervisors' certificate, Construction skills certification scheme (CSCS) and desirable Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS Proven experience of inspection and/or supervision of construction of a wide range of highway schemes
• Appropriate knowledge of Health and Safety and Environmental legislation as it pertains to highway works and experience, dealing with Cabinet Members and knowledge of current CDM regulations and practises.
• Experience of dealing with contractors and members of the public, working on large scale developments, public realm works.
• Line Manager responsibilities and experience on conducting performance development reviews.
• Knowledge of Highway Authority and Local Government policies, practices and procedures in relation to highways maintenance and the NEC contract

• A candidate must have the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with key people both internally and externally, prioritise work to support business priorities and to work in an ordered and logical manner, being able to prioritise conflicting tasks and demands

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
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Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in . With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government's devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about ) on our careers site.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Once you've secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the , including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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