Highways Operations Leader: NRSWA & Network Management

Jacobs; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Flexible/hybrid working

Learning & development

Volunteer programmes

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking an experienced Operational Leader to manage NRSWA compliance and network management services for Hertfordshire. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team of 20+ across compliance, administration, technical and inspection functions, ensuring contract compliance and stakeholder satisfaction while driving improvements.

The role requires strong leadership, budget control and regulatory knowledge within a highly regulated highways environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in operational management, service delivery, or programme leadership.
• Proven budget management and resource planning experience.
• Strong people management experience with large teams.
• Experience in highways, street works, utilities or regulated environments.
• NRSWA/SWQR accreditation is advantageous.
• Knowledge of Traffic Management Act and permit schemes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary team of 20+ employees across compliance, administration, technical and inspection functions.
• Take overall responsibility for operational performance, service delivery, contract compliance, and client satisfaction.
• Manage budgets, resources, workloads, and performance targets to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
• Foster relationships with client stakeholders, local authorities, statutory undertakers, utilities, contractors, and regulators.
• Ensure compliance with NRSWA, Traffic Management Act, permit schemes and local authority requirements.
• Drive performance against KPIs, including permit compliance, inspections, enforcement and network management obligations.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service quality, efficiency, compliance and customer outcomes.
• Oversee risk management, governance, reporting and audit activities.
• Ensure projects and operations are delivered on time, within budget, and within statutory/contractual requirements.
• Create a positive, high-performing culture through leadership, coaching and people development.

Skills

People management

Contract management

Operational leadership

NRSWA knowledge

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Education

Highways/Civil Engineering qualification

NRSWA Supervisor/SWQR accreditation

Job description

Jacobs is seeking an experienced Operational Leader to manage NRSWA compliance and network management services for Hertfordshire. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team of 20+ across compliance, administration, technical and inspection functions, ensuring contract compliance and stakeholder satisfaction while driving improvements.

The role requires strong leadership, budget control and regulatory knowledge within a highly regulated highways environment.