Highways Agency

• Job Description:   SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVISOR (SRD)
• Reference: VV1149
• Division:   Safe Road Design Team - Safety Standards and Research
• Number of jobs available: up to 2 (Full Time & Part Time)
• Terms:   Permanent and voluntary terms apply
• Pay Band:  6 £33,877
• Location:  Manchester or Leeds

JOB OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

Post 1

The Safe Road Design team includes specialists in road layout and traffic signs. The post holder will provide expert technical advice to senior management and HA customers (internal and external) on standards and best practise for the design and specification of traffic signs including road markings, but excluding electronic message signs.  Additionally the post holder will manage research and development projects and technical consultancy projects. 

Post 2

The Safe Road Design team includes specialists in road layout and traffic signs. The post holder will provide expert technical advice to senior management and HA customers (internal and external) on standards and best practise for road  layout and road safety, in particular advising on these issues for innovative and challenging projects where Departures from Standard are required.  Additionally the post holder will manage research and development projects and technical consultancy projects

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a national focal point for the Agency on matters affecting traffic signs on the trunk road network
• Liaise with the Department for Transport on signing policy issues
• Support with traffic sign advice the HA Strategic Plan for Road Safety.
• Work closely with Traffic Operations Directorate and Major Projects Directorate and their agents/consultants in developing the traffic sign aspects of scheme designs.
• Deal with requests for authorisation of non-prescribed signs
• Where required the post holder will represent the Agency at working groups, committees and conferences.
• The post holder will be involved in developing and managing road safety research and development projects and technical consultancy projects.
• This is a national role, so it is expected that some travel and occasional overnight stays will be required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS OR EXPERIENCE

• Comprehensive knowledge of the traffic signs policy and practise, along with the ability to advise on detailed requirements
• A proven safety background.
• Relevant experience of both of the above.
• Membership of a relevant professional body or working towards this
• Ideally, a 2:2 degree in Civil Engineering or relevant qualifications

Leadership

Takes a longer term strategic view.   Promotes a corporate approach to problem solving and decision making.  Conveys enthusiasm and inspires self-belief in others.

Customer Focus

Demonstrates an awareness of customer’ situation and priorities by adapting approach to suit their requirements.  Looks for ways to improve or streamline existing procedures and services

Communications/Influencing

When working to tight deadlines, maintains ability to draft concisely and precisely on significant issues.   Sets clear and achievable negotiating objectives in a variety of situation and identifies fallback positions.

Problem Solving/decision making

Deals with complex and ill-defined problems requiring significant levels of judgement and assessment of ambiguous information.   Spots opportunities to take measured risks and manages the consequences.

Managing Delivery

Prioritises and organises the work to deliver to time, budget and agreed quality standards.  Evaluates the outcomes against best practises of innovation and integration and shares learning.

Applying and developing job knowledge and expertise

Understands how own technical area/professionalism fits into the wider picture and the likely impact of own advice on other areas.   Takes a broad view when offering advice and is prepared to be flexible to achieve results.