At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage diverse teams delivering essential highway services across a major district.
- Company: Join a leading UK public-sector organisation making a real impact in local communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, exceptional package, pension, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy in a dynamic environment with high visibility at corporate and community levels.
- Why this job: Shape the future of vital public services with significant community influence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in highways or civil engineering with strong operational management experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
A leading UK public-sector organisation is seeking an experienced Highways Senior Operations Manager to lead large, high-profile frontline highway services across a major 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 c100+ 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 – Senior Operations Manager, Highways – Local Authority
- 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 operations.
- 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– Senior Operations Manager, Highways
- 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 in Utilities (Water/Gas/Power/Fibre) 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. Contact mike.butler@omegaresource.co.uk or 0113 2123519.
Senior Operations Manager – Highways Local Authority employer: Omega
As a leading public-sector organisation in West Yorkshire, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values community impact and employee development. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and service improvement, while offering competitive salaries, an outstanding benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth within a politically engaged environment. Join us to lead vital highway services and make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents across the district.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Manager – Highways Local Authority
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, join local authority forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know in the highways and civil engineering sectors, the better your chances of landing that Senior Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience managing large teams and complex projects. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven service improvements and handled high-pressure situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to organisations you admire, like us at StudySmarter, and express your interest in future opportunities. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in highways and environmental services. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals, especially in areas like compliance and budget management. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Manager – Highways Local Authority
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in highways, civil engineering, and managing large teams. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your leadership in high-pressure environments and how you've managed complex operational budgets.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills:In this role, you'll be working with various stakeholders. Make sure to mention any experience you have in building relationships with elected members, trade unions, or contractors. We love seeing how you can navigate a politically aware environment!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Omega
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of highways operations, civil engineering, and environmental services. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by local authorities in these areas, as well as any recent developments or changes in legislation that could impact the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading large, diverse teams. Think about times when you've successfully managed frontline staff, dealt with unionised workforces, or navigated complex operational environments. Be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration and drive service improvement.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves significant stakeholder engagement, be prepared to talk about your experience working with elected members, contractors, and community groups. Share specific instances where you've built strong relationships and how you've handled politically sensitive situations.
✨Budget Management Know-How
As you'll be managing multi-million-pound budgets, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully overseen financial operations in previous roles. Discuss your approach to capital and revenue delivery, and how you've ensured compliance with health and safety regulations while maintaining operational efficiency.
