Asset Manager - Drainage in Portsmouth

Company Overview

Colas Ltd is a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1,500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large‑scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.

Purpose of the Role

At Colas, we deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that keep communities moving. We are seeking an experienced Asset Manager – Drainage to join our Highways Services team in Portsmouth, PO6 1TA. Reporting to the Business Manager, you will lead the strategic and operational management of drainage assets, ensuring an integrated, value‑driven approach across inspection, maintenance and renewal programmes.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop long‑term, forward‑looking drainage asset management programmes based on robust data analysis.
• Analyse CCTV surveys and other asset data to identify and prioritise infrastructure repairs.
• Manage cyclical gully cleansing operations and support risk‑based inspection regimes to monitor asset performance.
• Coordinate with Reactive Maintenance, Proactive Maintenance and Lifecycle Replacement teams to ensure effective coordination of works, timely delivery and accurate monitoring and reporting of progress and spend.
• Provide leadership to the drainage team; deliver projects safely, on time and within budget.
• Engage regularly with management and the Client, provide detailed project updates, develop delivery strategies and present performance information clearly and confidently.
• Collaborate across departments and external partners to ensure efficient implementation and continuous improvement of service delivery.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a qualified Civil Engineer, ideally a member of a relevant professional body, with several years’ experience in highways drainage. You will have a strong understanding of DMRB and other highway codes of practice, experience working with GIS‑based asset management systems, and proven budget management and cost‑control capability. Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills are essential, alongside the ability to interpret complex asset data and translate it into practical, cost‑effective solutions. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership qualities, excellent communication skills and confidence to present at all levels, both internally and externally. You will be highly organised, capable of prioritising time‑critical work and making sound decisions under pressure. A full UK driving licence is required, and additional asset management qualifications would be advantageous.

Package Description

Salaries between £50,000 and £60,000 (dependent on experience) PLUS Company Car / Car Allowance. Colas Pension Scheme with combined contributions up to 10%. Life Assurance Scheme (x4 basic salary). 25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays. Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme. Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role). Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification. Ongoing personal / professional development. Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and more through our online employee benefits portal.

Values

At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. These values shape how we work, collaborate and grow together. We believe that respect is the foundation of every relationship. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we foster fairness, transparency, and inclusion within our teams and with our clients, communities, and partners. Commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a pioneering spirit we prioritise bold innovation over blind ambition. We welcome new ideas, invest in our people, and work to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that shape the future. Through sharing we build trust and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and growth at all levels of the business.

Diversity & Inclusion

Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Recruitment Agencies Note

In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.