HIGHWAYS SUPERVISOR - MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS

Cyngor Caerdydd/Cardiff Council; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardiff Council is seeking a proactive Highways Supervisor to lead the HSR, PRoW and SuDS teams from Brindley Road Depot in Cardiff. The role combines frontline operational work with management of day-to-day maintenance, emergency response and planned works across the city.

You will supervise crews, carry out site safety audits, coordinate temporary traffic management and liaise with internal teams, utilities and contractors to meet SLAs and deliver high-quality public services.

Qualifications

• Experience leading frontline maintenance teams across highways.
• Knowledge of NHSS 10B/12A. robust safety procedures.
• Ability to coordinate complex traffic management schemes.
• Proven track record delivering maintenance with SLAs.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations for HSR, PRoW and SuDS teams.
• Coordinate planned and reactive works and emergency response.
• Carry out site safety audits and briefings for hazards.
• Manage stand-by rota and out-of-hours service demands.
• Liaise with internal teams, utilities and contractors to meet SLAs.

Skills

Staff management

Traffic management planning

Emergency response coordination

NHSS knowledge

Out of hours standby

Education

Highways or civil maintenance qualification

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to join the Highways Operations department based in Brindley Road Depot, Cardiff and provides maintenance services on the adopted highway network across Cardiff.

Operating 7 days a week, the team undertake maintenance of Public Rights of Way (PRoW) and Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) assets, as well as providing traffic management and municipal maintenance activities on High Speed Routes (HSR). This includes an emergency call out rota, providing reactive safety repairs out of hours.

An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen within the service for a Highways Supervisor to manage the HSR, PRoW, and SuDS teams.

About the job

The Highways Supervisor role combines practical operational work with responsibility for overseeing HSR, PRoW, and SuDS maintenance. You will work alongside operatives to ensure maintenance, repair, and emergency response activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance with relevant standards.

You will lead day-to-day operations, including temporary traffic management installations and safety barrier repairs to NHSS (National Highway Sector Scheme) standards. The role involves carrying out site safety audits and providing briefings so the team understands key hazards, procedures, and policies. You will also manage emergency situations in line with established protocols, available resources, and required response times.

You will coordinate planned and reactive works, making efficient use of resources and delivering scheduled work programmes. The role also involves liaising with internal teams, utilities, contractors and other stakeholders to support smooth service delivery and meet Service Level Agreements (SLAs), while responding professionally to public enquiries and maintaining high levels of customer service.

What We Are Looking For From You

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual, with proven experience in managing a frontline operational service.

You will have experience in highway or civil maintenance, including working on High‑Speed Routes and Public Rights of Way. Strong knowledge of NHSS 10B and 12A/B requirements is essential, along with practical understanding of Public Rights of Way and Sustainable Drainage inspection and maintenance requirements.

You will have experience in staff management, conflict resolution, and hold the relevant traffic management qualifications such as National Highway Sector Scheme 12A Foreman/12B Lead Traffic Management Operative (Lead Traffic Management Operative).

You will need high level interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a wider maintenance team. You will be flexible and adaptable, working outside normal office hours as necessary to meet the needs of the service.

Advanced IT skills including the ability to use Microsoft Office programmes and various software systems are essential.

You will be able to demonstrate the requirements and experience detailed in the Person Specification.

This post is a permanent, full‑time post and regular outdoor working across the city in all weather conditions is expected.

You will work 37 hours a week and enjoy access to the Council’s flexi time scheme, supporting a positive work/life balance; however, the postholder must be prepared to work evenings, nights, and weekends when service demands require.

This role is not suitable for agile working due to its operational nature. The post will be mainly based at Brindley Road Depot, however you will be expected to work from various locations and be willing to participate in an ‘out of hours’ stand‑by rota, for the provision of a 24‑hour emergency operation.