Development & Adoptions Lead WMF2487i

Location: Barrow, Kendal or Penrith Contract Type: Permanent About this opportunity This is an exciting opportunity to work within the Thriving Places Directorate within the Highways Consenting Team at Westmorland and Furness Council. The increase in new highway construction is having a direct impact on the highway service delivery in compliance with the Highways Act 1980 and the Council’s role in facilitating and managing Section 38 Agreements (S38) – the current method of adoption of highways associated with new developments under the Act – and highway improvements under Section 278 Agreements (S278). This role supports the Development and Adoptions Manager, leading the team that provides highway responses to planning applications, delivers and supervises Section 38 and Section 278 legal agreements, and oversees the development and management of the highway consenting service area. Responsibilities Lead, support and review compliance with the Council’s procedures to enable new development related highway projects and adoption processes, ensuring documents remain fit for purpose. Lead, liaise and advise various departments and partners, including developers and highway consultants, on issues relating to internal and external works on the highway and their impact on Westmorland and Furness’s network. Lead and support the team to work with developers and consultants during the planning application process, detailed design, and undertake design checks to facilitate highway developments in relation to Sections 38 and S278, from pre‑application stage where appropriate. Work with contractors up to completion of the construction phases, delivering site inspections, agreeing remedial works, and maintaining record keeping and reporting data input using various software. Lead and manage the Local Highway Authority statutory response to planning applications. Ensure consistency in technical approval of both internal and external works programmes. Who we are looking for… The ideal candidate will have experience in highway asset management, delivery or network management, or a commercial background. A relevant degree or NVQ level 5 in an appropriate highway discipline is essential, as is experience managing complex highway issues, commercial management, financial management, asset management, project management, and working on planning applications and S38 & S278 legal agreements. We are supportive of a hybrid approach to working, including working from home and from our offices in Penrith, Kendal and Barrow. What can we offer you Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, an enhanced annual leave allowance and other perks and discount schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Would you like to find out more? For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria, please view the documents below. Post Specification Role Profile If you would like more information, please contact Stuart Braithwaite, Development & Adoptions Manager, at highwayadoptions@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk for an informal conversation about the role. Application and Interview information Closing date: 11/01/2026 Interview date: w/c 02/02/2026 We are currently offering both in‑person and virtual interviews (though in‑person interviews are preferred). Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments needed, we are happy to discuss this with you. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences. As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria of this job are guaranteed an interview. We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans, those in or experienced in care, and under‑24 candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role. #J-18808-Ljbffr