TEAM LEADER (SECTION 278/38 ROAD SAFETY)

Cardiff is one of the UK’s fastest‑growing and most vibrant cities, with major regeneration schemes, new communities and significant investment shaping its future. As Wales’s capital, it blends a dynamic urban environment with coastal and green spaces, creating an exceptional place to live, work and develop your career. With continued growth in housing, transport and infrastructure, this is an exciting time to join us. This role within the Transport Service Area offers an exciting opportunity to influence high‑profile developments, ensure high‑quality public infrastructure, and help deliver a safer, better‑connected Cardiff for current and future generations.

About the job

Cardiff Council is seeking an experienced and self‑motivated Team Leader for our s278/s38 Team, responsible for overseeing the assessment, approval and delivery of highway works associated with new developments across the city. This is a key leadership role within a high‑profile service that ensures safe, high‑quality and compliant infrastructure is delivered through Section 278 and Section 38 agreements.

You will lead a busy multidisciplinary team, manage technical approvals, coordinate legal agreements, and act as a primary point of contact for developers, consultants, internal teams and elected members. You will oversee inspections, ensure adherence to standards, manage budgets, and guide the adoption of completed highway assets.

What We Are Looking For From You

The successful candidate will bring strong experience in highways or transport engineering, a sound understanding of the Highways Act 1980, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment. Experience of technical review, budget management and collaborative working is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the s278/s38 Team, ensuring effective coordination, technical assessment and delivery of developer‑funded highway works.
• Oversee the preparation, negotiation and progression of Section 278 and Section 38 legal agreements and the associated technical approvals.
• Manage inspections of highway works and ensure construction aligns with approved designs and safety requirements.
• Coordinate handover and adoption of completed highway infrastructure, ensuring all records and asset information are accurate.
• Liaise collaboratively with internal departments to ensure integrated and compliant scheme delivery.
• Provide technical advice, reports and updates to senior management and Members.
• Contribute to policy development, guidance updates and annual review of highway standards.