Network Operations Director

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Connect Plus Services (CPS) as our Network Operations Director, leading the strategic and operational direction of one of the most significant and high-profile infrastructure networks in the UK. As custodians of the M25 under a 30‑year DBFO contract—now entering its final 15 years you will be part of a project that offers not only scale and complexity, but also long-term stability, continuity, and the chance to make a lasting impact on a nationally critical asset.

In this role, you will guide the network operations function at a pivotal time, driving innovation, excellence, and collaboration across our teams and partners. With over 140,000 assets and an ISO 55001-certified management system, CPS offers an environment where ambitious leaders can shape how we operate, influence future direction, and champion new ways of working that improve safety, efficiency, and performance across the M25.

You will join a business powered by the strengths of Balfour Beatty, AtkinsRéalis and Egis, providing a unique blend of expertise, capability, and support. This is a role that promises variety, challenge, and excitement—no two days are the same—while offering clear opportunities for professional growth and long-term career development within a highly respected and secure joint venture.

With flexible working across our Leatherhead, South Mimms and Dartford offices, and regular engagement across the network, this position places you at the heart of one of the UK’s most important operational environments. If you are motivated by meaningful impact, inspired by complex challenges, and looking for a role that combines progression, purpose, and long-term stability, this is an opportunity to lead with confidence and shape the future of the M25.

Role Purpose: This post leads our Network and Operations Directorate leading a team of 300 employees. This post is responsible for our incident & emergency response (labour, plant & vehicles), Network Security, Scheduling Hub and Control Room. It must strategically consider all incidents and stewardship of the network to continually improve the network function to its customer.

You will be leading teams responsible for several contractual & performance KPIs including Incident Response (Primary & Secondary); CAT 1 repairs (7 and 28 day); 7 Day Road space Accuracy; and minimising contractual payment penalties.

Accountabilities

• A key senior leadership team member as the Director for our dynamic Network Operations Directorate which is critical to the safe and serviceable M25 network operations and Services.
• This pivotal role leads a team of three hundred dedicated professionals, driving excellence across various critical functions.
• The role needs to strategically deliver and improve key customer focussed performance metrics which ensure safety hazards are eliminated and that customer delay is minimised.
• Your role needs to showcase our performance whilst reducing the risk of significant penalty payment mechanisms which could directly affect the profitable success of the business.
• You will need to Lead and inspire an enthusiastic team, ensuring exceptional performance and engagement with a direct reporting line of subject matter experts.
• The four key divisions you will oversee are ‘On road operations’, control room, network access, and network resilience – each essential to our mission.
• An exploration of a self delivery function is also a strategic delivery expectation to look to improve our services and be more efficient and effective with our resources.
• 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 road users’ journeys and contributing to our operational success.

The Four Key Focus Areas

• 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 resilience and security: The team are responsible for security and resilience of the Network (including CPS depots and offices) and delivering the contractual obligations.

Experience Personal Attributes – Required

• Leadership in highways operations infrastructure, construction, or a similar industry with transferrable expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex issues and make informed decisions quickly in a fast-paced, reactive environment.
• Strong ability to engage and represent CPS effectively at all levels, including Board Members and client Executives and National Highways executives.
• Capable of inspiring teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and driving operational excellence.
• Exceptional ability to build relationships, collaborate with stakeholders, and manage diverse workforce dynamics.
• Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring cohesion, and optimizing workforce performance.
• Understanding of budgetary control, cost efficiency, and financial responsibility within an operational setting.
• Strong aptitude for promoting and upholding the highest safety standards and regulatory compliance.
• Skilled in identifying and addressing safety concerns, proactively mitigating risks, and handling unexpected challenges.
• Ability to be resilient and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
• Emotional intelligent leader, with demonstratable skills to nurture and develop outcome focussed and positive teams.

Why Work for Us?

At Connect Plus Services (CPS), you’ll be part of a world-class team maintaining and operating the M25, Europe’s busiest motorway. As a joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Atkins, and Egis, we play a vital role in keeping millions of journeys moving safely and efficiently.

A Career Like No Other

Working on the M25 offers unrivalled experience, challenges, and opportunities that no other highways project can provide. You’ll be exposed to cutting‑edge technology, large-scale infrastructure, and complex engineering solutions, making every day dynamic and rewarding.

Long-Term Stability & Growth

With 15+ years remaining on this project, we offer career stability, professional development, and progression opportunities. Whether you’re looking to build new skills or take the next step in your career, we invest in your growth.

A Supportive & Inclusive Team

At CPS, your contributions matter. We foster a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment where safety, innovation, and teamwork drive everything we do.

About us

CPS is a joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Atkins, and Egis. At Balfour Beatty we are committed to creating a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential, not only because this is the right thing to do, but because it makes us a better business.