Highway Asset Management & Section 56 Case Lead

Highway Asset Management & Section 56 Case Lead

Take on a unique and influential role at the heart of highway asset management, combining technical expertise with legal coordination and strategic decision-making. You'll play a crucial part in ensuring statutory obligations are met and complex legal challenges are effectively managed.

Working alongside legal teams, senior leaders, engineers and external stakeholders, you'll lead Section 56 cases, coordinate court proceedings and oversee the preparation of technical evidence. Your expertise will help ensure highway maintenance records, inspection regimes and asset management processes are accurately represented and defended.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate responses to Section 56 notices under the Highways Act 1980, ensuring statutory deadlines are met and cases are managed effectively. Coordinate court proceedings, appeals and legal evidence, including preparing witness statements and supporting legal teams, counsel and expert witnesses. Analyse highway inspection, maintenance and asset management records to provide accurate technical evidence and demonstrate compliance with maintenance policies and statutory obligations. Manage disclosure requirements, FOI and EIR requests, maintaining accurate evidence bundles, case records and document management systems. Develop corporate procedures, guidance and training while advising senior management and stakeholders on litigation risks, legislative changes and opportunities for service improvement. Key Requirements:

Degree or equivalent professional qualification in Civil Engineering, Highway Engineering, Highway Asset Management, Transportation, Law or a related discipline, alongside relevant professional membership or equivalent experience. Significant experience in highway maintenance, highway asset management or transport infrastructure, with detailed knowledge of the Highways Act 1980, Section 56 procedures and maintenance liabilities. Experience interpreting highway inspection and maintenance records, preparing technical evidence and producing witness statements for legal proceedings or formal hearings. Strong analytical, report writing and organisational skills, with the ability to manage complex cases, large volumes of documentation and competing deadlines. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to work alongside legal professionals, senior managers and elected members, demonstrating sound judgement, resilience and professionalism.

Footnote

If you feel that you are right for this role technically, but the rate, location, or seniority does not suit you specifically, please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for similar roles at all levels across the UK. We are always keen to chat with you discreetly about your employment situation. Even if you are happy in your current role for now, we always welcome calls from professionals looking to explore future opportunities. Our specialist team has over 40 years of combined experience in this market. Please contact Leah Kimber at Carrington West on (phone number removed) for more information. By applying for this position, you are agreeing for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will be shared with third-party clients specifically relevant to any roles you have applied for. If at any stage, you wish to withdraw your consent, please email (url removed)