Senior Operations Manager – Highways Local Authority

Senior Operations Manager – Highways Local Authority

A leading UK public‑sector organisation is seeking an experienced Highways Senior Operations Manager to lead large, high‑profile frontline highway services across a major district. This is a senior operational leadership role with visibility at corporate, community and political levels—ideal for a proven leader in highways, civils, construction operations, environmental services, or large‑scale public realm delivery.

Salary: £60k-£75k Target, Exceptional Package and Pension

The role oversees a complex portfolio including: highway maintenance, public rights of way, land drainage, gully maintenance, winter services, weather response, operational depots, fleet & plant with multi‑million‑pound assets and budgets. You’ll lead c100+ skilled and semi‑skilled frontline staff, manage a multi‑functional operational depot, and take responsibility for statutory services that keep the district’s network safe, open, and resilient.

• Lead and manage diverse multi‑skilled frontline teams delivering district‑wide highway, drainage, and winter maintenance operations.
• Oversee planned, reactive, and emergency works, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
• Act as Transport Manager under the organisation’s Operator’s Licence, managing fleet compliance and high‑risk operational environments.
• Manage capital and revenue delivery through internal teams and contractors.
• Ensure full compliance with CDM, Health & Safety legislation and safe systems of work.
• Maintain high‑profile public‑facing services, respond to weather events and highway emergencies.
• Develop and manage multi‑million‑pound operational budgets, assets, and equipment.
• Build strong working relationships with stakeholders, elected members, trade unions, and contractors.
• Drive service improvement, innovation, and workforce development.

• Significant senior operational management experience in highways, civil engineering, environmental services, construction, utilities, or large‑scale public realm operations.
• Strong leadership of large, dispersed frontline teams and unionised work forces.
• In‑depth understanding of H&S, CDM, risk, compliance, and management of high‑risk operational sites.
• Proven experience managing complex operational budgets, plant, vehicles, and large‑scale assets.
• Experience coordinating contractors and delivering large capital/revenue programmes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and the ability to lead in a politically aware environment.
• Full driving licence.
• Degree in Civil Engineering (or extensive equivalent experience).
• IOSH Managing Safely and, if required, CPC Transport Manager.
• Experience in Highways in Utilities (Water/Gas/Power/Fibre) and Civil Engineering / Highways Contractors is encouraged.

• Lead one of the region’s most high‑profile, essential, and visible public services.
• Autonomy to shape service direction, improvement, and operational strategy.
• Significant influence across regeneration, infrastructure, and environmental projects.
• Manage a major operational team with meaningful community impact.
• Senior leadership presence with political, community and multi‑agency visibility.

All enquiries and applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Contact  or 0113 2123519