Rights of Way Manager (2 posts)

Suffolk County Council - Ipswich IP1 2BX, Halesworth IP19 8EN or Rougham IP30 9ND

Rights of Way Manager (2 posts)

£38,223 per annum (pro rata if part time)

37 hours per week (part time working considered)

Permanent

Closing date: 11.30pm, 3 December 2023

Reference: 12958

We are committed to offering flexible working options for this role.

We welcome applications from everyone. We particularly welcome applications from people from minority ethnic and minority sexual orientation groups because they are under-represented in this directorate.

We have two openings in our Rights of Way and Access Team for Rights of Way Managers, based at one of our offices in either Ipswich, Halesworth, or Rougham, but working across the county.

• Do you have experience in the Access and Natural Environment sector? 
• Would you like to work in an incredibly varied, challenging and rewarding role? 
• Are you passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of people living and working in Suffolk?

Your role and responsibilities

You will be working across a large geographical area, leading a technical team in the delivery of maintenance and protection of the Rights of Way and Access network. Engaging with a variety of stakeholders to respond to the changing demands and priorities of the team. Identifying and actively developing opportunities to improve the rights of way network and people’s ability to use it, in line with the Green Access Strategy.

You will:

• prepare, direct, and manage work programmes and projects, through staff, contractors, and volunteers, to required standards, including associated budget management and application of associated regulations
• deliver the effective protection of the public's rights to use the rights of way network including statutory enforcement, determining priorities, and leading high-profile and complex enforcement cases.
• lead and direct the other Operational Rights of Way staff in monitoring and responding to reports, liaising with colleagues, and dealing with members of the public, landowners, parish councils, and councillors.
• act as a local champion for the rights of way and access network. 

You will need:

• a degree or similar level qualification or equivalent experience
• detailed knowledge of rights of way and access maintenance and protection procedures, and legislation
• experience in managing staff and leading a team 
• experience of managing legal enforcement procedures to protect public rights of way 
• experience in specification and management of maintenance and capital works, through contractors and volunteers 
• strong influencing and negotiating skills, particularly in a front-line service context
• to be a confident communicator with strong verbal and written skills
• strong organisational skills, able to prioritise and manage a high volume of work and competing demands.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The Rights of Way and Access team is part of the wider Natural and Historic Environment area.

We are a friendly and professional team looking after Suffolk’s Rights of Way and access network. This includes 5,700km of public rights of way, open access and informal routes.  Suffolk County Council’s ‘Suffolk Green Access Strategy 2020-2030’ covers the team’s main priorities with the vision “to get more people using and enjoying Suffolk’s green access network.”

The Operations Team sits within Rights of Way and Access, with the specific role of maintaining and protecting the Rights of Way network and developing and delivering practical work schemes.

We are highly motivated with a passion for Suffolk’s natural environment.

We will offer you:

• a highly rewarding role working across the county with a wide variety of people who are also passionate about Suffolk and access
• the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge in Access and the Natural Environment. 

Travel and workplace requirements

• Frequent Travel Essential - We positively encourage the use of technology to communicate, but in this role, you will need to travel to locations away from your contractual base, so you must either hold a full and current driving licence and have access to personal transport or meet the mobility requirements of the role through other reasonable and suitable means. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability to meet the travel requirements of this role, please speak with the contact detailed below.
• Hybrid - This role supports hybrid working, a broadly even balance between working from home and working from an office base. Please speak with the contact detailed below if you wish to discuss how that might impact your working arrangements.

For more information

For an informal discussion, please contact Claire Dickson (she/her) by calling 01284 741354 or email claire.dickson@suffolk.gov.uk 

How to apply

To apply and for further details, please visit:

https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_1004/requisitions/preview/12958

Closing date: 11.30pm, 3 December 2023.

Interview date: week commencing 11 December 2023.