At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage highways operations to ensure safe and efficient services across Worcestershire.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local government committed to community and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, a brilliant pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing highways operations and strong technical expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 55640 - 59035 £ per year.
Location: Worcestershire
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £55,640 - £59,035 (Pay award pending). This role attracts a market forces supplement of an additional £10,600.
The Role
This is a key senior leadership role within Highways Operations, responsible for delivering safe, efficient and high quality services across Worcestershire’s highway network. You will lead a multidisciplinary workforce, ensuring services are delivered consistently and in line with statutory duties as a Highway Authority, including compliance with relevant legislation and national codes of practice. You will embed an asset‑management‑led approach to structural maintenance and network management, using condition data, lifecycle planning and risk‑based methodologies to prioritise investment and maximise whole‑life value. You will lead the delivery of large‑scale maintenance programmes, including resurfacing, reconstruction and surface treatments such as surface dressing and micro‑asphalt, ensuring the right treatment is applied at the right time to improve network condition. You will manage annual and multi‑year capital programmes, aligning delivery with Department for Transport Incentive Fund requirements and ensuring compliance with PAS 2161 and asset‑management best practice. You will drive the use of data and emerging technologies to improve decision‑making, efficiency and service performance, while embedding strong network‑management principles to minimise disruption. You will lead responses to operational demands, including severe weather and emergencies, and manage budgets, resources and contractor performance to deliver value for money. As part of the senior management team, you will contribute to strategic planning and service improvement, building effective relationships with Members, stakeholders and partners.
About You
You will have substantial experience of managing highways or infrastructure operations within a complex, publicly accountable organisation. You will bring strong technical expertise in structural maintenance, resurfacing and surface treatments, alongside a sound understanding of asset‑management, lifecycle planning and risk‑based decision‑making. You will have experience of delivering large programmes of work, with knowledge of Department for Transport Incentive Fund requirements, PAS 2161 and performance frameworks. You will be confident using data and technology to improve services, and experienced in managing budgets, contractors and performance. You will be a strong leader with the ability to influence stakeholders and operate effectively in a high‑pressure environment.
Benefits
- Great Holiday Entitlement: As well as bank holidays, you’ll get 26 days paid holiday (pro‑rata for part‑time staff). This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, we’ll match your holiday up to 31 days if you join us without a break. If you’re successful and want to take advantage of this, let us know.
- Brilliant Pension Scheme: The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career‑average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.
- Professional Learning & Development: We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.
- Flexible Working: We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible.
Equality & Diversity
The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all citizens and celebrates the diversity of all its residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Highways Operations Manager in Worcester
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like WMJobs, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like WMJobs and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Highways Operations Manager in Worcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for WMJobs and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with WMJobs, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for WMJobs.
