Rights of Way Manager

Halesworth IP19 8EN or Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX – Hybrid
working
37 hours per week (flexible working options available)
Reference: 13642

We’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities, and the
environment.

If you are too, join us as a Rights of Way Manager and make a huge and
meaningful impact.

Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities
and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.

Reimagine the possibilities.

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.

In this role, 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 on our website. 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 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.

Shaping Careers and Learning

We want to champion talent and seek to continuously develop everyone’s professional knowledge,
potential and job satisfaction. Through accessible learning opportunities and clear career
pathways, we aim to identify individual strengths, diversify skill sets and enable people, from
all walks of life, to build influential and impactful careers.

Empowering Everyone

We’re 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 minority ethnic and minority sexual orientation groups.
These groups are currently underrepresented in this service.

For more information

For an informal discussion, please contact Claire Dickson (she/her) by calling
01284 741354 or email [email protected]

Closing date: 11.30pm, 5 February 2024.

We will review applications on a weekly basis, and we commit to keeping you
informed throughout your application process.

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. 

Suffolk County Council – welcoming diversity.