Job Description
Exciting Opportunity for a Highway Operations Manager in the East Midlands
My client is seeking a skilled and experienced Highway Operations Manager to lead the effective delivery of highway maintenance services and construction projects in the East Midlands. This is a key senior role within a local authority's Network and Asset Management Division, where you will oversee frontline services and deliver innovative, compliant, and high-quality infrastructure solutions across the region.
As the Highway Operations Manager, you will lead a diverse team of operatives, coordinators, and delivery managers - ensuring all works are completed safely, efficiently, and in line with statutory obligations. Your strategic oversight and operational expertise will support the continued safety, functionality, and resilience of the public highway network.
The main duties of the Highway Operations Manager are:
Lead the Highway Operations Team, including agency staff and subcontractors, to deliver a wide range of frontline services and construction projects
Ensure all activities comply with health and safety legislation, CDM regulations, codes of practice, and council policies
Develop risk assessments, standard operating procedures, and safe systems of work that promote a safety-first culture
Support and develop frontline managers and operatives through leadership, mentoring, and succession planning
Oversee health surveillance, training, and welfare of staff to maintain a capable and cohesive workforce
Resolve escalated staffing issues including conduct, capability, absence, and redeployment
Lead on planning and delivery of highway and civil engineering projects for internal and external clients
Monitor and manage operational budgets, identifying efficiencies and income generation opportunities
Oversee procurement and contract management for plant, materials, and services
Coordinate emergency responses to severe weather, road traffic incidents, and infrastructure failures
Evaluate and procure highway vehicles and equipment to support current and future service needs
Measure and report on performance metrics, including safety and quality audits
Implement continuous improvement through innovation and smarter working practices
Monitor service demand and resource capacity through proactive planning
Provide out-of-hours support during winter operations and emergencies when required
The Highway Operations Manager will have key experience in:
Proven leadership within highway operations, construction, or maintenance delivery
Strong working knowledge of CDM 2015, Chapter 8, Red Book, and related health and safety regulations
Ability to scope, design, and manage complex construction schemes
Familiarity with council frameworks and performance management in a public-sector setting
Commercial awareness to identify growth and efficiency opportunities
Experience managing large teams, agency workers, and sub-contractors
Confident communicator, skilled in mentoring and performance management
Competency in Microsoft Office and highway asset management software
Full UK driving licence (HGV licence desirable)
Relevant qualifications such as Level 6 Apprenticeship in Leadership, Civil Engineering degree, or New Roads and Street Works certification
For more details and to apply for the role, please call James Allbon at Carrington West on (phone number removed) or email (url removed).
FOOTNOTE:
If you feel that you are right for this role technically, but the rate, location, or seniority does not suit you specifically, please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for similar roles at all levels across the UK. We are always keen to chat with you discreetly about your employment situation.
Even if you are happy in your current role for now, we always welcome calls from Highways, Traffic & Transportation professionals looking to explore future opportunities. Our specialist team has over 40 years of combined experience in this market. Please contact James Allbon at Carrington West on (phone number removed) for more information.
By applying for this position, you are agreeing for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will be shared with third-party clients specifically relevant to any roles you have applied for. If at any stage, you wish to withdraw your consent, please email (url removed).
