Assistant Network Inspector

Network Assurance is responsible for managing the occupation of the County’s road network and delivering Suffolk County Council’s Network Management Duty in line with the Traffic Management Act and the New Roads and Street Works Act. The authority successfully introduced a ‘Permit Scheme’ on the 1 April 2020.

As an Assistant Network Inspector, you’ll play a key role in helping to keep Suffolk’s road network safe, efficient, and working for everyone who uses it.

This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You’ll spend time out on the network inspecting works, as well as working with colleagues and partners to coordinate activities and resolve issues. You’ll be at the heart of ensuring works are carried out safely, to the right standards, and with minimal disruption to the public.

On a daily basis, you might:

• visit sites across Suffolk to inspect highway works at different stages, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards
• work closely with Network Assurance Inspectors and Network Co-ordinators to support effective planning and coordination of works
• monitor contractors and utilities, ensuring safe working practices and addressing any non-compliance
• investigate complaints from the public and respond to enquiries from stakeholders
• maintain accurate inspection records, including reports and photographic evidence
• support enforcement activity by gathering evidence and contributing to legal processes where required
• collaborate with colleagues, contractors, and partners to minimise disruption and improve outcomes across the network.

You’ll be trusted to take initiative, think critically, and build strong working relationships across a wide range of people, making a real, visible difference to communities across Suffolk.

We’re excited to welcome someone into this role who is curious, proactive, and ready to grow., 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 (Word).

• Can you describe a time when you had to follow a process or set of procedures to complete a task? Tell us how you ensured accuracy and efficiency, and what steps you took to get it right.

• Tell us about a situation where you needed to make a decision based on available information. How did you gather or review the information, and what did you do if anything was unclear or missing?

• Give an example of when you identified an issue or non-compliance and needed to communicate it clearly to others. How did you gather evidence to support your findings, and how did you ensure your message was understood

Do you have experience in Organizational skills?, We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic, motivated, and eager to build a career in highways and network assurance.

We hope you’ll bring:

• a genuine interest in highways, construction, or infrastructure
• strong communication skills, with the confidence to speak to a variety of audiences
• good organisational skills and the ability to manage your own workload effectively
• a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making
• the ability to work independently while also being a supportive team player
• confidence to build positive relationships with colleagues, contractors, and the public.

It would be great if you also have:

• knowledge of highways legislation such as the New Roads and Street Works Act or Traffic Management Act
• experience in a highways, construction, or inspection-based role
• familiarity with IT systems and record-keeping
• knowledge and experience of working and/or operating within a ‘Permit Scheme’.

But don’t worry if you don’t have everything, we value your attitude, willingness to learn, and transferable skills just as much. We’ll support you to develop your knowledge and grow in the role.

You’ll need to be able to travel across Suffolk and be flexible in your approach to working hours when required.

Pulled from the full job description

• Pay rise
• Annual leave
• Company pension
• Paid volunteer time, As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

You’ll be joining the Network Assurance team within Suffolk Highways; a collaborative partnership focused on maintaining and improving Suffolk’s road network.

Our team is proud to play a vital role in ensuring that all work on the highway is carried out safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. We work closely with contractors, utilities, and internal teams to keep disruption to a minimum and protect the integrity of the network.

What brings us together is a shared commitment to:

• work collaboratively and support each other as one team
• deliver high-quality work that makes a real difference to communities
• act with professionalism, integrity, and respect in everything we do.

This is a team where you’ll be supported to learn, grow, and develop your career. You’ll gain hands-on experience, build strong relationships, and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.

Our work is a mix of site-based and office-based activity, giving you the opportunity to come together as part of a cohesive team, working towards shared goals and making a positive impact. Whether you’re out on inspections or collaborating with colleagues in the office to support planning and coordination, you’ll always feel part of a supportive and motivated team.