Highways Works Manager
Location: Penrith
 
An exceptional opportunity for a highly experienced Works Manager to lead complex site operations on a transformative infrastructure project.
 
My client is seeking a skilled Works Manager to join their team and lead site operations on a major Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual with a proven track record in the highways and infrastructure sector to play a key role in delivering a project that will have a lasting impact on transport across the UK.
 
About My Client
My client is a leading contractor with extensive experience in delivering major infrastructure projects across the UK. They are known for their commitment to innovation, safety, and delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget. Joining this team means being part of a forward-thinking company that values collaboration, growth, and excellence.
 
The Role: What You'll Be Doing
As the Works Manager, you'll take the lead in coordinating daily site operations across multiple zones, ensuring all milestones are achieved with precision and efficiency. You will have a range of responsibilities, including:
·Leading and managing site operations, ensuring progress is made according to the project schedule.
·Collaborating with Quantity Surveyors and Commercial teams to monitor cost and value, ensuring effective cost control.
·Supervising and mentoring subcontractors and direct labour teams, creating a culture of safety, accountability, and pride in delivery.
·Strategically managing plant and labour resources to optimise utilisation and control costs across the project lifecycle.
·Ensuring full compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards, and championing CDM regulations.
·Collaborating with planning and engineering teams to ensure buildability, sequencing, and technical compliance.
·Delivering safety briefings and toolbox talks to promote safe working practices and reinforce site standards.
·Leading collaborative planning sessions, contributing to both short-term and long-term lookahead programmes.
·Monitoring site performance, identifying potential risks and opportunities, and driving continuous improvement.
·Aligning delivery with the company's wider strategy and national goals, working alongside other senior managers.
 
What You'll Bring: Essential Skills and Experience
To succeed in this role, you will need:
·A minimum of 10 years' experience as a Works Manager or in a similar role, with a proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects, ideally within highways, civils, or major transport schemes.
·Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate teams, resolve conflicts, and maintain project momentum under pressure.
·SMSTS and CSCS (Black Card) certification, with an in-depth knowledge of CDM regulations, temporary works, and site logistics.
·A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to make decisions and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.
·Experience in mentoring and developing teams, supporting the growth of Supervisors and emerging talent.
·Strong stakeholder management skills, able to liaise professionally with clients, designers, and partners.
·Experience with lean construction principles, digital tools, and collaborative planning platforms is highly desirable.
 
What's In It for You: Salary, Benefits, and More
In return for your expertise, my client offers:
·A competitive salary reflecting your experience and the scale of the project.
·A company vehicle and a comprehensive benefits package.
·Access to industry-leading training, development, and career progression opportunities.
·The chance to work on a high-profile, nationally significant project with a lasting impact.
 
FOOTNOTE:

If you feel that you are right for this role technically, but the salary, location, or seniority does not suit you specifically then please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for roles very similar to this one at all levels UK Wide. We are always keen to chat with you discreetly about your employment situation.
 
Even if you are happy in your current role for now, we always welcome calls from Highways professionals keen to make their introductions for future months or years. Carrington West's Highways, Transport & Infrastructure division is the fastest growing in the country, our specialist team has a combined over 100+ years' experience in this market. Please call Jordan Townley at Carrington West on 023 9431 4917 or email Jordan.townley@carringtonwest.com for more information.
 
By applying for this position, you are agreeing for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will be shared with third-party clients specifically relevant to any roles you have applied for. If at any stage, you wish to withdraw your consent please contact us.