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- Tasks: Lead the strategic direction of road asset management and ensure community needs are met.
- Company: Orkney Islands Council, committed to serving local communities with innovative infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation expenses, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join a diverse team and shape the future of Orkney's roads and grounds.
- Qualifications: Experience in roads management, excellent communication skills, and a focus on customer service.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a unique geographical area.
The predicted salary is between 60883 - 66321 £ per year.
Orkney Islands Council is looking for an experienced roads professional with the drive, vision and commitment to take forward their future road asset management strategy and ensure that services reflect the needs of the local communities, the current and future regulatory and legislative environments and provide best value to the Council.
A key part of this role will be to lead the future strategic direction of management of the road asset, balancing pressurised budgets with the need to manage condition and minimise deterioration. In addition, you will be responsible for ensuring that operational processes and procedures are designed to achieve best value for money and reflect best practice, working with the Operations and Support team managers to identify appropriate solutions.
As a member of the Infrastructure Services Strategic Management Team you will work with the Service Manager (Environmental Services), Service Manager (Engineering Services), and Service Manager (Fleet) to develop a mature and effective long-term strategic vision for Infrastructure Services.
Excellent communication and facilitation skills, together with extensive practical and relevant experience of working in a Roads environment including detailed knowledge of regulations, specifications and materials pertaining to construction and maintenance of road related projects will be required. Experience of supervision on civil engineering or roads related projects and broad knowledge of CDM regulations and health and safety legislation will also be necessary. Significant strategic experience and the ability to identify and implement organisational improvements will also be required. In addition to relevant management experience, a proven ability to lead and manage teams within an operational environment and an unwavering focus on excellent customer service will be required.
This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to make a real difference to communities across Orkney and represents a significant chance to grow your career within one of the most geographically diverse local authority areas in Scotland.
This post is subject to Level 1 Disclosure Scotland clearance.
For an informal discussion about this role please contact Lorna Richardson, Head of Infrastructure (lorna.richardson@orkney.gov.uk) on 01856 873535.
Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 22 February 2026.
Please note that interview and relocation expenses will be paid for this post, in accordance with Council policy.
Service Manager (Roads and Grounds) - ORK10013 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Contact Detail:
Orkney Islands Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager (Roads and Grounds) - ORK10013 in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the roads and grounds sector. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend local events or join relevant online groups to get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Orkney Islands Council and their current projects. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the community. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past. We love hearing about your strategic thinking and how you’ve tackled challenges head-on.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, we appreciate a candidate who takes initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager (Roads and Grounds) - ORK10013 in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Service Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous jobs; explain how your past roles have prepared you for this position. Focus on your experience in roads management and any relevant projects you've led.
Communicate Clearly: We want to see your excellent communication skills right from your application. Keep your writing clear and concise, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our official website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Roads and Grounds
Make sure you brush up on the latest regulations, specifications, and materials related to road construction and maintenance. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing operational processes and achieving best value for money, as this is crucial for the Service Manager position.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your communication skills before the interview. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to facilitate discussions and collaborate with other service managers, so be ready to share how you've done this in the past.
✨Understand the Community Needs
Research the local communities in Orkney and think about how your vision for road asset management can meet their needs. Showing that you understand the community's requirements will set you apart from other candidates.
