Technical Approval Senior Engineer

• Suffolk County Council
• Address:  Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
• Salary: £40,777 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available 
• Contract: Permanent

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, at Suffolk County Council we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That’s why, when you join us as a Technical Approval Senior Engineer you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.  

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

Join our Transport Strategy – NSIP and Technical Team, where you will play a vital role in shaping Suffolk’s infrastructure. You will be part of a collaborative, supportive team, ensuring technical approval and inspection of highway improvements. Your key responsibilities include:

• Working within a small Development Management Technical Approval and Supervision Team which approves and inspects highway works in relation to residential and industrial developments (Highways Act 1980 s278 and s38 agreements).

• Ensure that the works are designed in accordance with national and Suffolk County Council (SCC) design and specifications and that records for improvement and adoption of highways are completed and recorded on the relevant database.

   

• Lead a team of up to 3 Engineers and Technicians / Apprentices managing their workload, output and training.
• Respond to applications for s38 and s278 agreements in respect of compliance with layout and construction and technically approve all aspects of highway infrastructure necessary to deliver developments within Suffolk. 
• Negotiate with developers to agree appropriate technical solutions on all highway matters to ensure that the proposed layouts and construction of estate roads, comply with SCC guidance.
• Support colleagues responding to statutory planning application responses.

You will need 

• knowledge of all aspects of highway design and construction and relevant sections of Highways Act
• the ability to solve complex and wide-ranging problems and be a confident communicator with strong verbal and written skills
• to be able to interpret drawings, specifications and technical documentation
• experience in line management as you'll lead a small team of Engineers.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word).   If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team 

The Transport Strategy team is part of the Strategic Development division, helping to deliver growth in Suffolk. The team is responsible for: 

• Developing transport policy, including the Local Transport Plan  
• Securing funding, and the delivery of new transport infrastructure and initiatives 
• Development management, ensuring new developments are sustainable in highway terms to support Suffolk’s growth ambitions. 
• We are a supportive team who will mentor you in your learning process in the role.
• Our organisation is values driven, please refer to the job and person profile for information on our WEASPIRE values which are embedded into everything we do.

If you'd like to know more about what our Directorate is involved with, please click on the following link: Growth, Highways and Infrastructure annual plan 2025-28 (PDF)

Empowering Everyone 

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information 

Please contact Chris Barber (He/Him) for a casual conversation. You can reach him by emailing: chris.barber@suffolk.gov.uk 

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word). 

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template. 

1. Describe a situation where you negotiated design changes on a developer-funded highway scheme (e.g., junction layout, drainage, lighting) to achieve compliance with standards while maintaining viability for the developer. What was your approach and outcome?
2. Describe how you have supported or coached technicians or junior engineers through technical audits or reviews. What methods did you use and how did you measure improvement?
3. Share an example of managing s38 or s278 agreements from technical review through to handover. How did you track conditions, documentation, and dependencies to keep the process on track?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at: recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you will have another chance to request adjustments.

 Closing date: 11.30 pm, 21 April 2026. 

Interview date: 18, 19 and 20 May 2026. 

Promoted as JOTW (Job of the Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.  #LI-Hybrid