Highways Development Management

We adopt a 'name blind' approach to shortlisting. Recruiting managers will not have access to personal information, including your name and contact details, until a shortlisting decision has been made - please note that this also includes any CV uploaded. Equality monitoring information is not accessible by recruiting managers at any stage.

Organisation

Kirklees

Directorate

Place

Service Area

Skills & Regeneration

Hours

37

Number of Jobs

2

Location(s)

Across Kirklees

Position type

Permanent

Grade

Grade 12

Salary

£45,091- £47,181

Enhancements / additional payments details

MRS applies

At Kirklees, we are seeking to appoint a motivated, enthusiastic and organised Principal Highways Engineer into our Highways Development Management (HDM) team.

Your main duties will include responding to planning enquiries from a highway engineering and transport impact assessment perspective, review planning applications and pre-application enquiries and condition discharge details related to highway matters, undertaking site visits and representing the Local Planning Authority in Public Inquiries / Informal Hearings, when necessary, as well as planning committees.

Kirklees is at a pivotal point where we are undertaking a review of our Local Plan – you will therefore have the opportunity to help influence and shape development within the Borough at this important and exciting time.

About the role

The role is based within the Development Management team, specifically within Highways Development Management (HDM). You will report to the Group Engineer in HDM. You will coordinate and respond to planning consultation requests, working collaboratively with planning officers on planning proposals of all types and sizes. You will also consult and work closely with the council as Highway Authority on planning proposals and provide a considered and balanced view taking account of advice and comments from colleagues.

Working with people, including ward members, developers and other stakeholders is part of the day-to-day responsibilities of the role, and providing timely and considered technical advice is an essential part of the job to achieve the best outcomes for the people and places of Kirklees.

Please note the accompanying Principal Engineer job profile is a generic Highways Services Principal Engineer job profile. The key roles and responsibilities listed, in particular, those referring to the management and delivery of highway engineering projects, including financial accounts, are not relevant to this post, for which specific Highway Development Management knowledge and experience is required.

About the Candidate

You will be a highly motivated and versatile individual, with good analytical and communications skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to make a significant contribution to the HDM Team. You will need experience of working within a Highways Engineering and Transport Planning environment, ideally with a background in Development Management or have gained similar experience as a Transport & Highways Consultant / Planner. You will need to have good computer skills, along with experience of industry related software, and strong knowledge of relevant codes of practice, guidance documents, legislation and planning policy.

The candidate is expected to hold a minimum of HNC / Degree in a relevant Transport Planning / Highways Engineering discipline. Chartered / Incorporated Engineer status or Membership of a relevant Institution would be beneficial.

In return, Kirklees Council offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• Flexible/Hybrid working from home and from the office
• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Competitive Salary, plus a market rate supplement
• Excellent learning and development opportunities
• Independent support for our health and wellbeing
• Opportunities to make a difference in a busy Local Planning Authority.

For an informal discussion please contact Chris Dows (Group Engineer for HDM)

Julia Steadman is the manager for this role, please contact them on for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.

We know there's a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description please contact the Recruitment Team for help by phone: and ask for 'Recruitment'.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Closing date

06 November 2025, 11:55 PM