At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead highway operations, ensuring safe and efficient delivery of maintenance and improvement programmes.
- Company: Join Derbyshire County Council, a leader in public service and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while driving innovation in highway management.
- Qualifications: Extensive management experience in highways and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 49178 - 52937 £ per year.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Works Manager to lead the operational delivery of highway works across the county. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of planned, reactive, and emergency highway maintenance and improvement programmes.
As Works Manager, you will provide strategic oversight and day-to-day management of a diverse workforce, overseeing everything from winter maintenance and flooding response to structural repairs and street lighting installation. You will play a key role in ensuring operational resilience, particularly in response to adverse weather events and emergencies, while driving innovation and continuous improvement. You will deputise for the Highway Operations Manager in strategic forums and public engagements, and work collaboratively with internal teams, external partners, and community stakeholders to deliver a service that protects and enhances the council’s reputation.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and manage operational delivery teams across a wide range of highway works.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety, environmental legislation, and statutory obligations.
- Oversee emergency response and resilience planning for adverse weather and incidents.
- Manage budgets, resources, and commercial contracts to ensure value for money.
- Champion innovation, digital tools, and efficient construction methods.
- Engage with residents, elected members, and partners to communicate works programmes and respond to service enquiries.
- Extensive senior management experience in highways or infrastructure delivery.
- Proven leadership in high-risk operational environments.
- Strong knowledge of highways engineering, CDM regulations, and relevant legislation.
- Excellent planning, programme management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A commitment to health and safety, continuous improvement, and public service values.
- Relevant professional qualification or extensive managerial experience in construction/maintenance.
- Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS).
- Demonstrable experience in budget management, emergency response, and operational strategy.
- Membership of professional bodies such as ICE or IHT.
- Traffic Management Qualification, IOSH or NEBOSH certification.
- Experience with GIS mapping tools and advanced asset management systems.
- Flexi Time Scheme: Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.
- Generous Annual Leave Scheme: Ensures a healthy work‑life balance.
- Local Government Pension Scheme: Provides financial security.
- Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in‑house counselling.
- Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
- Electric/Plug‑in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme: Encourages environmentally friendly commuting options.
- Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.
Highways Operations Leader - Resilience & Innovation employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Derbyshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With benefits such as flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive wellbeing support framework, employees are empowered to maintain a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful community projects in the beautiful Derbyshire region. The council fosters innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about public service and infrastructure development.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Highways Operations Leader - Resilience & Innovation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, or local meet-ups related to highways and infrastructure. It's a great way to connect with potential employers and showcase your expertise in person.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for innovation and resilience in highway operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow companies you’re interested in on LinkedIn and engage with their posts. It’s a subtle way to get noticed and show your enthusiasm for the sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that role! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Highways Operations Leader - Resilience & Innovation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in highways operations and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Works Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've led!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage operational delivery and respond to emergencies. Use metrics where possible to illustrate your impact – numbers speak volumes!
Highlight Your Leadership Style:As a pivotal leader, it’s important for us to understand your approach to managing teams. Share examples of how you’ve successfully led diverse groups, especially in high-risk environments, and how you foster innovation and resilience.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in Derbyshire!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Highways Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of highways engineering and relevant legislation. Familiarise yourself with CDM regulations and any recent innovations in highway maintenance. This will show that you're not just a leader, but also someone who understands the technical side of things.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams in high-risk operational environments. Highlight how you managed budgets, resources, and emergency responses. This will help the interviewers see you as a capable leader who can handle the responsibilities of the Works Manager role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would communicate with residents, elected members, and partners about works programmes. Prepare to discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement and how you would respond to service enquiries. This shows that you value collaboration and community involvement.
✨Show Your Commitment to Safety and Innovation
Be ready to talk about your commitment to health and safety, as well as any innovative practices you've championed in previous roles. Discuss how you would drive continuous improvement in operational resilience, especially during adverse weather events. This will demonstrate that you align with the council's values and priorities.
