Defect Manager – M25 – United Kingdom

As the Defect Manager, you’ll be responsible for reactive maintenance activities across an allocated area or asset type on the M25 network, ensuring Category 1 and Category 2 defect repairs are carried out on time, to the highest standards, and within budget. Overseeing repairs delivered by both internal teams and subcontractors, you’ll foster a culture committed to doing things the right way—with public safety always at the forefront. You’ll ensure the appropriate resources are in place to deliver works, manage fleet and permits, and identify procurement needs. Your role will also include conducting Root Cause Analysis for delays, managing supplier performance, and working closely with the Network Access Team to optimise scheduling and site-sharing opportunities. Additionally, you’ll help reduce Performance Point events by ensuring accurate, timely updates to the Maintenance Management System. Your focus on continuous improvement will help secure the long-term success of the M25, keeping it safe, resilient, and well maintained.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Oversee delivery of reactive defect repairs (Cat 1 and Cat 2.1) to meet KPI targets.
• Drive a ‘Right First Time’ approach by ensuring defect data is accurate and properly classified.
• Ensure permits and scouting information are prepared to enable timely works.
• Create and communicate works briefings to all relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor and update the management system with detailed defect progress to justify claims and mitigate penalties.
• Coordinate with the Network Access team to optimise schedules and site-sharing.
• Conduct Root Cause Analysis for delays and missed targets.
• Identify procurement needs and manage supplier performance.
• Ensure maintenance resource availability and communicate plans to the scheduling team.
• Monitor and manage fleet utilisation to support defect resolution.
• Participate in on-call rotas, including Silver Command and Winter Maintenance.
• Ensure adequate supervision is in place for all activities.
• Lead, support and develop a high-performing team with clear responsibilities and goals.
• Manage the reactive maintenance budget effectively, meeting financial targets.
• Provide detailed monthly reports on defect performance and cost tracking.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce unit rates annually.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Experience in highways maintenance or similar transferable experience.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a focus on performance and productivity.
• Comfortable with change and able to lead teams through operational adjustments.
• Inspiring: Champions curiosity, continuous improvement, and positive risk-taking.
• Energising: Brings energy and focus to projects, encouraging growth and improvement.
• Challenging: Advocates for improvements to enhance performance.
• Challengeable: Welcomes skilled challenge to drive learning and improvement.
• Influencing: Builds consensus and models leadership behaviours aligned to CPS goals.

Why Work for Us?

A Career Like No Other: At Connect Plus Services (CPS), you’ll be part of a world-class team operating and maintaining the M25—Europe’s busiest motorway. A joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Atkins, and Egis, we play a vital role in keeping journeys safe and efficient. Working here gives you exposure to cutting-edge infrastructure and engineering on a scale you won’t find anywhere else. Every day offers new challenges and opportunities.

Long-Term Stability & Growth: With over 15 years remaining on the contract, we offer exceptional job stability, development opportunities, and career progression. Whether you’re growing in your current role or preparing for the next, we’re here to support you.

A Supportive & Inclusive Team: Your voice matters. We’re proud of our inclusive, respectful culture that values innovation, collaboration, and teamwork—backed by a strong commitment to safety and wellbeing.

About Us: CPS is a joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Atkins, and Egis. At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to diversity, inclusion, and enabling everyone to reach their full potential—not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes us better. We also signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to affirm our commitment to Black inclusion. Balfour Beatty is a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme and actively encourages applications from veterans and reservists. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to removing barriers for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. If you meet the minimum requirements, you’ll be guaranteed an interview. This is a hybrid role designed to support collaboration and flexibility. You’ll be based at a CPS office (Leatherhead, Dartford or South Mimms) up to three days per week, with up to two days working from home.