Principal Operations Manager

Principal Operations Manager (POM) – Area 12 (Maternity Cover) is a temporary senior leadership role within the Area 12 Senior Management Team. It is accountable for maintaining safe, compliant and stable day‑to‑day operational delivery across the Area 12 Strategic Highways Maintenance & Response contract during the defined period of maternity leave. The role is intended as a step‑in continuity position, providing experienced leadership to ensure performance, safety and client confidence are maintained.

Key Accountabilities

Operational Continuity & Control

• Provide clear senior operational leadership across routine maintenance, reactive defects, cyclic works and incident response.
• Maintain operational grip across depots, frontline teams and control functions to ensure consistent service delivery.
• Act as a senior escalation point for operational issues, incidents and unplanned events, ensuring calm, proportionate and timely decision‑making.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a strong Safety First culture, ensuring existing safety systems, controls and behaviours are consistently applied.
• Ensure operational teams continue to comply with National Highways requirements, Amey procedures and statutory obligations.
• Support incident reviews, audits and assurance activity, embedding learning without introducing unnecessary change.

Client & Performance Stability

• Maintain effective day‑to‑day operational relationships with National Highways Area 12 representatives, providing confidence in continuity of leadership and delivery.
• Monitor and manage performance against contractual KPIs and operational measures, escalating risks early and proportionately.
• Support existing governance, reporting and review forums (CVRs, audits, operational reviews).

People Leadership

• Provide clear leadership, support and direction to Operations Managers, Supervisors and operational leadership teams.
• Maintain existing performance management arrangements and engagement rhythms.
• Support team stability, wellbeing and resilience during the maternity cover period.

Commercial & Delivery Awareness

• Support commercial outcomes through consistent application of agreed delivery plans, self‑delivery strategies and productivity expectations.
• Work collaboratively with Commercial, Planning and Construction leads to maintain alignment between operations, cost and programme.
• Avoid unnecessary changes to commercial or operational models unless required for risk management.

Senior Management Team Role

• Member of the Area 12 Senior Management Team, reporting directly to the Account Director.
• Works collaboratively with Principal Construction, Commercial, Planning, Performance & Assurance, Safety, Digital and Finance leads.
• Supports collective SMT leadership and decision‑making during the maternity cover period.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Salary: Enjoy a competitive annual salary with the potential for yearly reviews.
• Career Growth: Propel your career with clear, dynamic advancement opportunities.
• Training Opportunities: Unlock your potential with comprehensive training tailored to your growth.
• Personal Development Opportunities: Advance your personal growth through mentorship and access to award‑winning leadership programmes.
• Pension: Benefit from a generous pension scheme with company contributions.
• Holidays: Enjoy at least 24 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional days.
• Flexible Benefits: Customise your benefits package with options such as additional leave, cycle‑to‑work schemes, charitable giving and gym memberships.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access online portals with discounts from leading retailers, healthcare services and more.
• Social Impact: Participate in community initiatives with paid volunteering days and support for local projects.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience – Essential

• Proven senior operational leadership experience within highway maintenance or similar infrastructure environments.
• Strong understanding of National Highways operational requirements and live‑network delivery.
• Experience leading large, multi‑disciplinary operational teams across multiple sites.
• Confident decision‑maker in live operational and incident environments.
• Pragmatic, steady leadership style focused on continuity, stability and risk management.

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Relevant operational, construction or engineering qualification.
• IOSH, NEBOSH or equivalent health & safety qualification.

Equal Opportunity

We value a culture of diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact, no matter their background, gender, race or personal circumstances. As a Disability Confident leader, we’re proud to offer applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role.

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