Regional Operations Manager (Northwest & Central)

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 will be welcomed into an inclusive team where there's a role for every talent and a close-knit, familial culture. You will also get the opportunity to help us transform transportation, set new standards, and dare to be different.

We value everyone as part of the same team. We treat everyone as equals – and everyone is approachable, from the CEO down. We put you in control of your career to lead and 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

To manage and be accountable for all operational aspects associated with the safe, timely and cost-effective delivery of all contracted deliverables of the OTM Contract. Ensuring that all machines and staff are managed effectively, ensuring the highest possible levels of performance. Take the lead on customer relations and maintain Colas Rail’s reputation as the supplier of choice. A key focus on guaranteeing all safety and performance KPI’s are met along with defined budgetary targets.

Person Specification

• Always have safety as the primary consideration in all aspects of delivering and managing the people, process, and equipment in Colas Rail.
• Have extensive experience and knowledge of OTM planning, delivery, and operations.
• Be able to lead a team and inspire and motivate all team members so to provide vision aligned with Colas Rail goals.
• Have a sound knowledge of HR processes & procedures and deal with any staff related issues, professionally and respectfully using these.
• Have an enquiring mind which does not accept the status quo and is prepared to challenge the way things are carried out to develop people, systems, and equipment.
• Fully understand the requirements of any contracts you are responsible for delivering.
• Be assertive, confident, and fair when dealing with any staff issues.
• Have a sound knowledge of the current requirements to manage all staff to minimize the effects of fatigue during the working week.
• Be a proven team player with a logical searching mind.
• Have accident investigation experience.
• Have a thorough understanding of railway operations and rules & regulations.
• Demonstrate a personal ambition and desire to succeed.
• Remain focused and driven especially in challenging times.
• Work effectively to display and promote a “one team” approach.
• Champion, support and deliver change to improve the service we provide to our customers.
• Listen and respond to the needs of our clients and build and maintain a positive relationship with them.
• Develop pragmatic solutions to complex issues that could change the way we do things.
• Implement robust succession plans at all supervisory levels in their team.
• Adapt to any organisational changes which may happen through business needs.
• Demonstrate confidence to deal with all customers in good times and in times of conflict or dissatisfaction ensuring that their expectations are understood, and any issues resolved.
• Have a good geographical knowledge of the railway network and infrastructure.
• Be experienced in making tough decisions in challenging situations to safely and cost effectively deliver to the customers’ requirements.
• Demonstrate a desire to continue with personal professional development and training.
• As you will expect the organisation may change from time to time and you will be expected to meet the operational requirements.
• Any other reasonable duties as required from time to time.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible and accountable for the delivery, safety, performance & costs for your particular contract and liaise with clients to ensure the contract’s deliverables and operational requirements are fully met.
• Through customer and planning department liaison, ensure that all work is adequately resourced, planned, and delivered in line with the appropriate service delivery level and where appropriate arrange suitable representation from Colas at periodic customer reviews.
• Following hand over from the planning team you will be accountable for the efficient delivery of the weekly operations, ensuring every element that affects delivery is considered and actioned. Report any issues, along with associated remedial plans every day during the appropriate operational meetings. Communicate with the customer, as required, on any issues.
• Day-to-day management of all staff associated with OTM contract. Ensure all staff are utilized to the best of their ability.
• Ensure the OTM fleet remains at the highest possible standard, in full working order able to deliver the requirements of the shifts.
• Identify key customer contacts in your delivery region and through periodic meetings ensure that all customer concerns are identified and satisfactorily closed out.
• Manage the profit and loss for your part of the overall contracts, ensuring that all your team know their role in the process. You need to understand the costs that you are accountable for and that these are in line with budgetary requirements. Follow the monthly CVR and finance process to support the above, flagging any issues to your Line Manager.
• Understand and control all budgetary financial targets for your designated contract and manage all equipment and staff costs to optimise the operating margins in your contract.
• Ensure you and your front-line team comply with the current requirements to deliver staff briefings, carry out safety tours and site visits producing quality reports for each such event where appropriate. Carry out an engagement programme with your teams making time to visit machine locations throughout the UK.
• Whilst you are accountable for your designated region/contract, you must be aware that you are part of a bigger picture, and all designated areas of the contract build together to ensure delivery and success. As such, you will support all contracts within Rail Services and recognise your part on the whole, through collaboration with your peers and colleagues.
• Identify any potential innovative procedure or process that could be developed and adopted to improve performance, output, or delivery quality to provide a world class service to our customers.
• The above does not limit your duties and the Company may require you from time to time to undertake any work within your capabilities and capacity.

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. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we actively seek to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, heard, valued and respected. Regardless of background, disability, age, race, religion, or gender, everyone is welcome at Colas Rail.

We strive to promote equity and eliminate discrimination, actively seeking to create a workforce reflective of communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, offering flexible and inclusive adjustments to the interview process.

As part of a positive action drive to address under‑representation we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010.

We are proudly part of the Disability Confidence Scheme, and as such we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme if you meet the minimum requirements.

On joining Colas Rail you’ll have access to our growing Employee Network Groups including Railbow (representing the LGBTQ+ community), BeyonDisability (representing those with disabilities) and Cross Culture (representing people from ethnic backgrounds). Everyone is welcome to join our network groups whether you are part of the community or an ally.

Work life balance is important to us; flexible working options are available where feasible and dependant on the role. Please discuss this during the interview process.

Join us in making a positive impact! Apply and be part of a team that values diversity and embraces unique perspectives.