Senior Highway Asset Management & Legal Lead

Our client is seeking a Senior Highway Asset Management and Legal Compliance Lead to provide specialist leadership within a public sector highways environment. The role will coordinate responses to applications and proceedings under Section 56 of the Highways Act 1980, ensuring that highway maintenance records, asset management processes and statutory duties are accurately evidenced. This is an initial six-month contract, with any extension dependent on operational demand and ongoing proceedings.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate responses to notices and applications issued under Section 56 of the Highways Act 1980, ensuring statutory deadlines are met. Establish and maintain effective systems for logging, tracking and managing cases, notices, evidence and court proceedings. Coordinate inspections, record reviews and evidence gathering across highway, legal and corporate service areas. Prepare technical evidence, factual witness statements, disclosure schedules and documentary bundles. Act as the lead technical representative at hearings, coordinating relevant officers, witnesses, legal advisers and expert witnesses. Analyse highway inspection records, maintenance histories, condition surveys, maintenance programmes and PAS 2161 assessments. Provide guidance to senior officers, elected members and legal teams on highway maintenance liabilities, litigation risks and statutory obligations. Develop procedures, training and governance arrangements to improve future Section 56 case management, record retention and legal compliance.

Job Requirements:

Degree or equivalent professional qualification in Civil Engineering, Highway Engineering, Highway Asset Management, Transportation, Law or a related discipline. Relevant professional membership, such as CIHT, ICE or IHIE, or substantial equivalent experience. Detailed knowledge of the Highways Act 1980, Section 56 procedures and highway maintenance liabilities. Strong understanding of highway inspection regimes, risk-based maintenance, asset management principles and lifecycle planning. Understanding of highway maintenance contracts, specifications, public sector governance, FOI, EIR and information management requirements. Significant experience in highway maintenance, highway asset management or transport infrastructure management, including interpreting technical records and condition data. Experience preparing evidence for legal proceedings, public inquiries or formal hearings, with the ability to manage sensitive and high-profile cases. Excellent analytical, report writing, organisational, stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical matters to legal professionals, elected members and courts.

Contract Details:

This is an initial six-month contract. Any continuation beyond the initial term will be subject to demand, the outcome of current court proceedings and any subsequent requirements. If you have specialist experience in highway asset management, maintenance and legal compliance, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to complex Section 56 proceedings and strengthen public sector highway governance.

Apply now to be considered