Operations & Paving Manager - Road Construction

Our client, in the Road Construction Industry is seeking an experienced, commercially astute and technically strong Operations & Paving Manager to oversee and manage road construction, paving and road rehabilitation operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for the effective planning, coordination and execution of projects, ensuring that all work is delivered in accordance with contractual specifications, engineering standards, quality requirements, budgets and project timelines.

This is a senior leadership position requiring extensive industry experience, strong operational management capabilities and the ability to engage confidently with clients, consulting engineers, project managers, subcontractors and internal teams. The successful candidate will bring a minimum of 20 years' relevant experience in road construction, surfacing, paving and rehabilitation, with a proven track record of delivering complex projects safely, efficiently and profitably.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Management:
  Oversee day-to-day operations across road construction, paving and rehabilitation projects, ensuring effective resource allocation, productivity and operational efficiency.
• Project Planning & Execution:
  Manage project programmes, construction methodologies, site activities and project deliverables to ensure work is completed within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Client Relationship Management:
  Act as a senior point of contact for clients, municipalities, government departments, consulting engineers and other key stakeholders, maintaining strong professional relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Consulting Engineer Liaison:
  Work closely with consulting and resident engineers to interpret technical drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and contractual requirements, resolving technical and operational challenges.
• Road Construction & Rehabilitation:
  Provide technical and operational oversight of road construction, pavement rehabilitation, asphalt surfacing, paving and associated civil engineering works.
• Commercial & Financial Management:
  Monitor project costs, budgets, production rates, resource utilisation and profitability, identifying risks and implementing corrective measures where necessary.
• Contract Management:
  Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, project specifications, scope of work, variations, payment claims and project reporting requirements.
• Plant, Equipment & Materials:
  Manage the effective utilisation and maintenance of plant, machinery, paving equipment, vehicles and materials to minimise downtime and maximise productivity.
• Quality Assurance:
  Ensure construction activities meet the required engineering specifications, material standards, quality-control procedures and applicable road construction standards.
• Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance:
  Enforce health, safety and environmental standards across all operations, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and project-specific requirements.
• Team Leadership:
  Lead, mentor and manage site managers, construction teams, supervisors, foremen and operational personnel, driving accountability and performance.
• Subcontractor & Supplier Management:
  Coordinate subcontractors, suppliers and service providers to ensure quality, cost efficiency and timely delivery of project requirements.
• Risk & Problem Solving:
  Proactively identify project risks, resolve site-related challenges and manage delays, technical issues and stakeholder concerns.
• Reporting & Performance Monitoring:
  Provide management with regular updates on project progress, productivity, expenditure, risks, quality and overall operational performance.
• Business Development Support:
  Assist with client retention, tender evaluations, technical input into bids and the identification of opportunities to grow the company's road construction and rehabilitation portfolio.

Personal Attributes:

• Minimum 20 years' relevant experience in road construction, paving, road surfacing and/or road rehabilitation.
• Extensive experience in a senior operational, construction management or project leadership role within the civil engineering or road construction industry.
• Demonstrable experience managing road construction and rehabilitation projects from planning through to completion.
• Strong technical understanding of pavement construction, asphalt surfacing, road layers, materials, compaction, rehabilitation methodologies and construction specifications.
• Proven experience working directly with clients,…