Highways Operations Manager (Council Service Delivery & Network Management)NRSWA (Stevenage)

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Jacobs works closely with Hertfordshire County Council as its highways and environmental services partner, helping manage and improve the county’s roads, structures and environmental assets. The partnership combines technical engineering expertise, asset management and digital innovation to deliver safer, more sustainable infrastructure and better outcomes for local communities across Hertfordshire.

We are now seeking an experienced and proactive Operational Leader to manage the delivery of our NRSWA compliance and Network management services. This is a high-profile role that combines operational leadership, contract management, client service delivery, and people management within a highly regulated highways environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary team of 20+ employees across compliance, administration, technical and inspection functions




• Take overall responsibility for operational performance, service delivery, contract compliance, and client satisfaction




• Manage budgets, resources, workloads, and performance targets to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.




• Foster strong relationships with client stakeholders, local authorities, statutory undertakers, utilities, contractors, and regulatory bodies




• Ensure compliance with NRSWA, the Traffic Management Act, permit schemes, HAUC guidance, and local authority requirements




• Drive performance against contractual KPIs, including permit compliance, inspections, enforcement activities, and network management obligations




• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service quality, efficiency, compliance, and customer outcomes.




• Oversee risk management, governance, reporting, and audit activities.




• Ensure projects and operational activities are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with strict legislative and contractual requirements.




• Create a positive, high-performing culture through effective leadership, coaching, mentoring, and people development.

This is a hybrid role, and the successful candidate will be required to work from our Stevenage, Hertfordshire CC office at least one or possibly two days per week.

Here's what you'll need

• Significant experience in operational management, service delivery, contract management, or programme leadership roles.




• Strong people management experience, including leading large and diverse teams.




• Proven budget management and resource planning experience.




• Experience working within highways, street works, utilities, infrastructure, local authority, or other heavily regulated environments.




• Good understanding of NRSWA, the Traffic Management Act, permit schemes, noticing processes, and associated legislation




• Experience delivering services against contractual KPIs and performance measures.




• Ability to operate effectively within a politically sensitive local authority environment.

Experience working directly with local or highway authorities would be advantageous, along with a professional qualification in highways, civil engineering, transportation, infrastructure, or a related discipline. NRSWA Supervisor/SWQR accreditation would also be beneficial.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Operational Leader who enjoys building client relationships, managing complex service delivery contracts, and leading large teams in a highly regulated environment. While knowledge of NRSWA and street works legislation is important, success in this role will come from your ability to lead people, manage budgets, deliver excellent client service, and ensure operational performance within a framework of strict statutory and contractual compliance.

Why Jacobs?

At Jacobs, you'll find more than just a job. You'll discover

A global network of expertise, innovation and opportunity.

A culture founded on safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging.

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support your wellbeing and professional growth.

Structured career development supported by technical and professional leaders.

The opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant transport, infrastructure and sustainability projects.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based progression opportunities.




• Up to 10% employer pension contribution.




• 24 days annual leave, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.




• Private medical insurance.




• Income protection insurance.




• Employee Assistance Programme.




• Professional membership support.




• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.




• Extensive learning and development opportunities.




• Global giving and volunteering programmes.

Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well‑being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging.Find out more about ourJacobs Employee Networks here.

Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit https//www.vercida.com/uk/employers/jacobs to view and access our roles.

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.

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