Area Manager, Highways Maintenance & Depot Leadership

Ringway; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ringway in Kent is seeking an experienced Area Manager to oversee the delivery of routine and reactive highways maintenance across Kent. You will lead three depots, managing operational teams and ensuring safe, cost-effective service to the client and local communities.

The role requires a proactive leader who can juggle multiple workstreams, drive performance against contracts, maintain strong stakeholder relationships with Kent County Council and supply chain partners, and develop teams to

Qualifications

• Experience as Area Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of routine and reactive highways maintenance.
• Experience managing multiple depots, teams and budgets.
• Track record of driving performance and client satisfaction.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience in a 24/7 operational environment.
• Strong commercial awareness and budget management.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of routine, reactive and emergency highways maintenance operations.
• Manage depot performance, resources and workforce planning.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and contractual requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement for efficiency and service delivery.
• Manage budgets, performance metrics and operational forecasts.
• Build relationships with clients, stakeholders and supply chain partners.
• Act as escalation point for operational issues and emergencies.
• Mentor and develop operational managers, supervisors and frontline teams.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Contract management

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Team development

Driving licence

Health & safety awareness

Education

HNC/HND in Civil Engineering

SMSTS / IOSH qualification

NRSWA Supervisor accreditation

Job description

Ringway in Kent is seeking an experienced Area Manager to oversee the delivery of routine and reactive highways maintenance across Kent. You will lead three depots, managing operational teams and ensuring safe, cost-effective service to the client and local communities.

The role requires a proactive leader who can juggle multiple workstreams, drive performance against contracts, maintain strong stakeholder relationships with Kent County Council and supply chain partners, and develop teams to