Works Manager

Purpose of the role

The Works Manager is fully accountable for the safe, efficient, and commercially effective operation of the Warrington bitumen manufacturing facility, which specialises in producing Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB), emulsions, and a successful range of packed products. The role leads all site activities, including production, maintenance, engineering, and administration, ensuring that products are manufactured safely, on time, in full, and to specification while meeting financial, operational, and compliance targets.

The Works Manager will create a strong Safety First culture and drive operational excellence, cost control, and continuous improvement across the site.

Overall leadership for the Warrington site involves aligning operations with the company’s strategy, values, and performance expectations. Prioritising health and safety is essential, ensuring full compliance with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations, as well as quality standards. This includes leading incident investigations and promoting safe working practices. Ownership of production performance is key, driving deliverables according to the plan and improving key performance indicators (KPIs) such as output, downtime, labour efficiency, and waste management.

Effective management of maintenance and engineering ensures high plant reliability, implementation of a robust preventative maintenance programme, and maintenance of statutory compliance. Responsibilities also include managing the site budget, controlling costs, delivering savings, and contributing to forecasting and business planning. Additionally, overseeing stock and supply chain effectiveness, driving continuous improvement initiatives (including 6S), and leading, developing, and performance‑managing the site leadership team are crucial aspects of the role.

To qualify for this role, you should possess a degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations Management. You should have a proven track record of leading a manufacturing site or managing a large operational area. Strong knowledge in production and maintenance management, asset reliability, and compliance with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations is essential, preferably within heavy manufacturing or similar industries.

Additionally, you should be commercially aware and have experience managing budgets and controlling costs. As a confident and visible leader, you must be able to motivate your team, foster development, and hold individuals accountable. Excellent communication skills, sound judgment, and a continuous improvement mindset are crucial for success in this position.

• A salary of £60,000 - £70,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• Company Car or Car allowance
• Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
• Life Assurance Scheme, which is 4 times basic salary
• 25 days of annual leave per year + Public Holidays
• Family‑Friendly Benefits, including Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
• Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
• Ongoing personal/professional development
• Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal

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. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice.