At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in maintaining and improving highways across West Yorkshire.
- Company: Join a leading UK public-sector organisation making a real community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time contract, and the chance to shape public services.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a politically aware environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of essential public services with significant community visibility.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in highways or civil engineering and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
A leading UK public-sector organisation is seeking an experienced Highways Operations Manager to lead a team and a high-profile frontline highway services maintenance and upkeep across a major West Yorkshire district. This is a senior operational leadership role with visibility at corporate, community and political levels - ideal for a proven leader in highways, civils, construction operations, environmental services, or large-scale public realm delivery.
The role oversees a complex portfolio including:
- Highway maintenance
- Public Rights of Way
- Land drainage
- Gully maintenance
- Winter services
- Weather response
- Operational depots
- Fleet & plant with multi-million-pound assets and budgets
You'll lead c60+ skilled and semi-skilled frontline staff, manage a multi-functional operational depot, and take responsibility for statutory services that keep the district's network safe, open, and resilient.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage diverse multi-skilled frontline teams delivering district-wide highway, drainage, and winter maintenance operations.
- Oversee planned, reactive, and emergency works, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
- Act as Transport Manager under the organisation's Operator's Licence, managing fleet compliance and high-risk operational environments.
- Manage capital and revenue delivery through internal teams and contractors.
- Ensure full compliance with CDM, Health & Safety legislation and safe systems of work.
- Maintain high-profile public-facing services, respond to weather events and highway emergencies.
- Develop and manage multi-million-pound operational budgets, assets, and equipment.
- Build strong working relationships with stakeholders, elected members, trade unions, and contractors.
- Drive service improvement, innovation, and workforce development.
Key Requirements:
- Significant senior operational management experience in highways, civil engineering, environmental services, construction, utilities, or large-scale public realm operations.
- Strong leadership of large, dispersed frontline teams and unionised workforces.
- In-depth understanding of H&S, CDM, risk, compliance, and management of high-risk operational sites.
- Proven experience managing complex operational budgets, plant, vehicles, and large-scale assets.
- Experience coordinating contractors and delivering large capital/revenue programmes.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and the ability to lead in a politically aware environment.
- Full driving licence.
- Degree in Civil Engineering (or extensive equivalent experience).
- IOSH Managing Safely & to obtain CPC Transport Manager if required.
- Experience in Highways, unionised environments, and Civil Engineering / Highways Contractors encouraged.
Why This Role?
- Lead one of the region's most high-profile, essential, and visible public services.
- Autonomy to shape service direction, improvement, and operational strategy.
- Significant influence across regeneration, infrastructure, and environmental projects.
- Manage a major operational team with meaningful community impact.
- Senior leadership presence with political, community and multi-agency visibility.
All enquiries and applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Operations Manager - Highways in London employer: Omega Leeds
Join a global manufacturing leader in Stroud as a Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer, where you will benefit from a competitive salary package, generous bonuses, and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on innovation and automation, this world-class facility offers a dynamic environment for you to enhance your skills while maintaining cutting-edge machinery that produces market-leading consumer products. Enjoy a flexible working pattern and a variety of learning opportunities that ensure your career progression is both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Highways in London
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Highways in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Omega Leeds
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Omega Leeds.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Omega Leeds that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
