Senior Operations Manager – Highways Local Authority

Senior Operations Manager – Highways Local Authority A leading UK public‑sector organisation is seeking an experienced Highways Senior Operations Manager to lead large, high‑profile frontline highway services across a major district. This is a senior operational leadership role with visibility at corporate, community and political levels—ideal for a proven leader in highways, civils, construction operations, environmental services, or large‑scale public realm delivery. Salary: £60k-£75k Target, Exceptional Package and Pension The role oversees a complex portfolio including: highway maintenance, public rights of way, land drainage, gully maintenance, winter services, weather response, operational depots, fleet & plant with multi‑million‑pound assets and budgets.

You’ll lead c100+ skilled and semi‑skilled frontline staff, manage a multi‑functional operational depot, and take responsibility for statutory services that keep the district’s network safe, open, and resilient. Key Responsibilities – Senior Operations Manager, Highways – Local Authority Lead and manage diverse multi‑skilled frontline teams delivering district‑wide highway, drainage, and winter maintenance operations. Oversee planned, reactive, and emergency works, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Act as Transport Manager under the organisation’s Operator’s Licence, managing fleet compliance and high‑risk operational environments. Manage capital and revenue delivery through internal teams and contractors. Ensure full compliance with CDM, Health & Safety legislation and safe systems of work.

Maintain high‑profile public‑facing services, respond to weather events and highway emergencies. Develop and manage multi‑million‑pound operational budgets, assets, and equipment. Build strong working relationships with stakeholders, elected members, trade unions, and contractors.

Drive service improvement, innovation, and workforce development. Key Requirements – Senior Operations Manager, Highways Significant senior operational management experience in highways, civil engineering, environmental services, construction, utilities, or large‑scale public realm operations. Strong leadership of large, dispersed frontline teams and unionised workforces.

In‑depth understanding of H&S, CDM, risk, compliance, and management of high‑risk operational sites. Proven experience managing complex operational budgets, plant, vehicles, and large‑scale assets. Experience coordinating contractors and delivering large capital/revenue programmes.

Strong stakeholder engagement and the ability to lead in a politically aware environment. Full driving licence. Degree in Civil Engineering (or extensive equivalent experience).

IOSH Managing Safely and, if required, CPC Transport Manager. Experience in Highways in Utilities (Water/Gas/Power/Fibre) and Civil Engineering / Highways Contractors is encouraged. Why This Role?

Lead one of the region’s most high‑profile, essential, and visible public services. Autonomy to shape service direction, improvement, and operational strategy. Significant influence across regeneration, infrastructure, and environmental projects.

Manage a major operational team with meaningful community impact. Senior leadership presence with political, community and multi‑agency visibility. All enquiries and applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Contact [email protected] or 0113 2123519 #J-18808-Ljbffr