Operations Manager

Make your mark with Colas Rail UK. At Colas Rail, differences matter. Join a team where being your authentic self is respected, encouraged and vital to our success. You’ll be welcomed into an inclusive culture with a role for every talent and a close‑knit, familial environment. We value everyone as part of the same team. We treat everyone as equals, from the CEO down. We put you in control of your career to grow in any way you want. We have a culture of care, from safe working environments to diversity and inclusion. We’re renowned for innovation, adopting new ideas and daring to be different. We are building a more sustainable future and our projects impact infrastructure for generations.

Purpose of the Role

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading the safe, efficient, and collaborative delivery of multi‑disciplinary light rail projects within the Midland Metro Alliance, ensuring all works are completed in line with safety, quality, environmental, commercial and programme requirements. The role provides operational leadership across project teams and supply chain partners, embedding robust processes, maintaining strong stakeholder relationships and driving a high‑performance, alliance‑based culture. Through effective resource management, governance and financial control, the Operations Manager ensures projects are delivered on time, on cost and to the required quality standards while supporting the wider programme. The role is based in Birmingham.

Person Specification

• Experience leading large multi‑disciplinary operational or delivery teams.
• Knowledge of safety, quality and environmental procedures.
• Experience working in a collaborative environment.
• Recognised operational and/or project management experience and/or qualification (desirable).
• Membership (or working towards membership) of a professional body such as ICE or APM (desirable).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the safe and environmentally responsible delivery of light rail or infrastructure projects to time, cost and quality standards in line with Alliance principles.
• Develop, implement and embed operational processes and procedures (e.g. lifting operations, plant management) across complex programmes.
• Lead supply‑chain relationships and manage stakeholder and client engagement, especially within public sector or transport authorities.
• Manage budgets, change control and risk in collaboration with commercial teams.
• Build, manage and develop high‑performing multidisciplinary teams, including direct and agency staff.
• Implement project controls, governance and risk frameworks compliant with rail and statutory standards.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to meet contractual obligations.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• 26 days annual leave
• Industry‑leading life assurance
• Healthcare cash plan
• Wellbeing employee assistant programme
• Pension scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Long‑service award
• Season ticket loan
• Occupational health service

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities as part of our positive action drive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and offer flexible and inclusive adjustments to the interview process. The role is part of the Disability Confidence Scheme and the Guaranteed Interview Scheme applies to those meeting the minimum requirements.