Network Operations Director

Connect Plus (CP) is the consortium that manages the 30-year National Highways flagship M25 DBFO contract, with over 140,000 assets and a management system certified to ISO 55001. The contract end date is 2039. Connect Plus Services (CPS), a Balfour Beatty, AtkinsRéalis and Egis Roads Operation UK Joint Venture, operates and maintains the M25 motorway network on behalf of Connect Plus (CP).

This post leads our Network Operations Directorate leading a team of 300 employees. This post is responsible for our on-road operations such as incident & emergency response, network access and control room, and network resilience and security. You will be leading teams responsible for keeping the network safe and serviceable 24 hours a day whilst balancing contractual & performance KPIs including Incident Response (Primary & Secondary); CAT 1 defect repairs (7 and 28 day); 7 Day Road space Accuracy.

Location: Leatherhead, South Mimms or Dartford offices and site visits. CPS has a requirement for employees to work flexibly from CPS offices about the network, undertaking site working/site visits as required. The vast majority of CPS works are undertaken as nightworks, therefore overnight site visits will be required to inspect the asset portfolio, inspect works and engage with teams.

Accountabilities:

• The Network Operations Directorate will deliver exceptional customer experiences on this iconic critical infrastructure, and drive high performance in network management, emergency response, and security services.
• This pivotal role leads a team of three hundred dedicated professionals, driving excellence across various critical functions with our commitment to continually advance our service.
• You will inspire three key divisions: On road operations, network Management, and network services – each essential to our mission.
• You will leverage on your expert stakeholder management skills to navigate and resolve complex challenges with assurance.
• This role will allow you to play a vital role in guaranteeing the safety and reliability of the road users’ journeys and contributing to our operational success.

The three key accountable areas are:

• On Road Operations: Leading CPS’ on-road operations, delivering a safe network for our customers and reliable journey times. This includes responsibility for our Incident & Emergency Response, emergency repairs, winter gritting decisions and delivery across twenty-seven gritting routes.
• Network Management (Access and Control Hub): We are in an exciting phase of improvement and how we manage the access to our network. The Scheduling team manage the planning of cyclical, defect management and emergency works, ensuring the CPS team and all other CP supply chain have access to the network. There is also the responsibility of monitoring KPI compliance, and risk and contingency management of the network. Our control room is a 24/7 operation monitoring incidents, works and traffic activity on the network. The team liaise with National Highways Control Rooms around incidents, manage the chain of command, and dispatch resources as appropriate. The team also play a key role providing insight and intelligence on network risk and incidents.
• Network Services: The team are responsible for security and resilience of the Network (including CPS depots and offices) and delivering the contractual obligations. CPS Security team consults with several stakeholders around risks to the M25 network, including Connect Plus, National Highways and Emergency Services. The team investigate criminal offences such as fly tipping, theft and suspected terrorist related activity and collaborate closely with the local Police and external agencies. We also operate security patrols at Dartford Crossing, Dartford cycle services, Abnormal Loads and Dangerous Goods Movements from the Kent Marshalling Area. The team is responsible for overseeing Fleet Management and ensuring compliance across our entire delivery network, including vehicle maintenance, regulatory adherence, operational efficiency, and safety protocols. By implementing best practices and monitoring performance, they help streamline logistics, reduce risks, and enhance overall service reliability.

Who we are looking for:

We work in a challenging environment with a wide range of employees and expect a lot from our people and whilst we are looking for someone who can demonstrate the below experience or capability, we offer support and development for all our employees.

• Successful track record of effective leadership in highways operations infrastructure, construction, or a similar industry with transferable expertise, including P&L.
• Bring a personal relentless focus on Zero Harm.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex issues and make informed decisions quickly in a fast-paced, reactive environment.
• Strong ability to engage effectively with all levels, including Board Members and client Executives, and build and maintain healthy relationships.
• Capable of inspiring teams by leading by example on behavioural standards to drive the highest standards, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and deliver operational excellence.
• Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring cohesion, and optimising workforce performance.
• Strong aptitude for promoting and upholding the highest standards and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to be resilient and adaptable in a dynamic environment and encompass a high degree of empathy and support.

Behaviours:

• Inspiring: Champions curiosity and continuous improvement, role modelling change and managing risks to achieve project outcomes.
• Energising: Role models positive and energised project focused attitudes towards and continuous improvement.
• Challenging: Seeks and advocates improvements to add value and drive continuous performance.
• Challengeable: Encourage a culture of skilled challenging and seek to understand and explore challenge to enable improvement.
• Influencing: Builds commitment and consensus, and role models CPS leadership behaviours to deliver our goals.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities.