At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead highway works and ensure safe, efficient delivery of maintenance and improvements.
- Company: Join Derbyshire County Council, a leader in public service and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, and wellbeing support for a balanced life.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while driving innovation in highway management.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in highways management 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.
About You
- 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.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- 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.
Desirable
- 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.
Support & Benefits
- 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.
Works Manager employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Derbyshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As a Works Manager, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and access to a comprehensive wellbeing support framework, all while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance the community's infrastructure. With a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead a diverse team in a dynamic environment, ensuring operational resilience and public service excellence.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Works Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the highways and infrastructure sector. Attend local events or join online forums where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like emergency response and operational strategy. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but a perfect match for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Works Manager role! We want to see your application and help you shine. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your details are in the right hands.
We think you need these skills to ace Works Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Works Manager role. Highlight your leadership in high-risk environments and any relevant qualifications, like SMSTS, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about highways and how your experience aligns with our mission at Derbyshire County Council. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven innovation or improved operational efficiency in previous roles. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Highway Works
Make sure you brush up on the specifics of highway works and maintenance. Understand the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as emergency response planning and compliance with health and safety regulations. This will show that you're not just familiar with the role but genuinely interested in it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Works Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams in high-risk environments. Highlight how you managed resources, budgets, and ensured operational resilience during challenging situations.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves engaging with residents and community stakeholders, think about how you can communicate effectively. Prepare to discuss your experience in stakeholder engagement and how you’ve handled service enquiries or communicated works programmes in the past.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Innovation and continuous improvement are key aspects of this role. Be ready to share ideas on how you’ve championed new methods or digital tools in previous positions. This will demonstrate your commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery.