Joe Freeman, Senior Delivery Manager (Infrastructure Team)

Posted on 15 Sep 2025

Beginning his career in health and safety, highways, and construction Joe found his way into civil engineering, and after working on a range of key national projects he now oversees the boroughs major infrastructure projects on behalf of Rochdale Council.

Tell me a bit about yourself

I’m Joe Freeman. I studied civil engineering and started my career in transport and infrastructure. I didn’t always know what I wanted to do, but after working in safety teams, highways, and construction, I found my way into engineering.

I began with an apprenticeship at Halcrow, a civil engineering design consultancy, where I worked on major projects like smart motorways while studying part-time for my HNC and later a degree at Bolton University. I’ve worked across the UK on large infrastructure projects, but as my family grew, I wanted to be closer to home, which led me to the RDA.

Outside of work, I’m into sports - cycling, running, and football. I coach a local under-8s football team, which keeps me busy on weekends.

What is your role with the RDA?

I’m a Senior Delivery Manager at the RDA. My role has evolved from working solely on the South Heywood Link Road project to overseeing a range of major infrastructure projects.

I manage the design and delivery teams, ensuring schemes are completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard. That means working with contractors, local authorities, and stakeholders to make sure projects run smoothly, and adapting to challenges as they arise. My job is a mix of technical problem-solving, project management, and ensuring that developments deliver real benefits to the area.

Why did you choose to work with the RDA?

Before joining the RDA, my work was often focused on isolated infrastructure projects, delivering schemes and moving on to the next one. What attracted me to the RDA was the chance to be involved in projects from start to finish, looking at the bigger picture of what an area needs and how developments can bring real, long-term benefits.

The opportunity to work locally, rather than traveling around the country, was also a big factor. I wanted to be closer to home for my family, and the flexibility that comes with working in the public sector was appealing after years of long hours in private consultancy. The RDA’s approach, working with communities, ensuring best value for public money, and holding contractors accountable, really aligned with my values.

What projects do you work on?

I started at the RDA working on the South Heywood Link Road, a major infrastructure scheme aimed at improving connectivity and supporting economic growth in the area. That led to a broader role managing the design and delivery of multiple projects, including highways, infrastructure, and regeneration schemes that link into the wider Atom Valley development.

A key part of my work is ensuring projects meet the needs of the community, whether that’s through better transport links, improved public spaces, or supporting business growth. I work closely with different teams, making sure designs are feasible, projects stay on track, and that we learn from challenges along the way.

What do you really enjoy about your profession?

Every day is different, and that’s what I love about it. The nature of engineering and project delivery means you’re constantly solving new problems, adapting to unexpected site conditions, responding to stakeholder needs, or working through logistical challenges.

I enjoy the mix of technical and people-focused work. There’s a balance between detailed design and the practical realities of getting projects built. I also like seeing the tangible impact of my work, when a scheme is completed, you can see how it benefits the community, and that’s really rewarding.

What makes you get up in the morning?

It’s the variety and challenge. You never know exactly what the day will bring, whether it’s a design issue that needs resolving, a problem on-site, or working with stakeholders to adapt a scheme. There’s always something new to tackle.

Unlike some roles where you might become highly specialised in one area, my job requires a broad skill set. I get to work across different disciplines, manage teams, and interact with a range of people, from engineers to local residents. That keeps things interesting and makes the days fly by.

Tell me something people don’t know about you

Because I work in construction and infrastructure, people often assume I’m all about concrete and engineering, but outside of work, I love the outdoors. My family and I keep bees and chickens, and we have a small holding where we grow our own vegetables. It’s a great way to switch off from work, and my two boys love getting involved. It’s a completely different side of life compared to my day job, but it’s something I really enjoy.