About The Role
Connect Plus Services are seeking a Network Operations Director to deliver exceptional customer experiences across our iconic critical infrastructure while driving high performance in network management, emergency response, and security services.
This pivotal role oversees a team of 300 dedicated professionals who strive for excellence in various critical functions as part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing our services. You will lead three key divisions: On-Road Operations, Network Management, and Network Services—each of which is essential to our mission.
Utilising your expert stakeholder management skills, you will navigate and resolve complex challenges with confidence. This role is vital for ensuring the safety and reliability of road users’ journeys, thereby contributing to our overall operational success.
You will be leading teams responsible for keeping the network safe and serviceable 24 hours a day whilst balancing contractual & performance KPIs including Incident Response (Primary & Secondary); CAT 1 defect repairs (7 and 28 day); 7 Day Road space Accuracy.
Connect Plus (CP) is the consortium that manages the 30-year National Highways flagship M25 DBFO contract, with over 140,000 assets and a management system certified to ISO 55001. The contract end date is 2039.
Location
Leatherhead, South Mimms or Dartford offices and site visits. CPS has a requirement for employees to work flexibly from CPS offices about the network, undertaking site working/site visits as required. The vast majority of CPS works are undertaken as nightworks, therefore overnight site visits will be required to inspect the asset portfolio, inspect works and engage with teams.
What you’ll be doing
* Leading CPS’ on-road operations, delivering a safe network for our customers and reliable journey times. This includes responsibility for our Incident & Emergency Response, emergency repairs, winter gritting decisions and delivery across twenty‑seven gritting routes.
* We are in an exciting phase of improvement and how we manage the access to our network. The Scheduling team manage the planning of cyclical, defect management and emergency works, ensuring the CPS team and all other CP supply chain, have access to the network. There is also the responsibility of monitoring KPI compliance, and risk and contingency management of the network.
* Our control room is a 24/7 operation monitoring incidents, works and traffic activity on the network. The team liaise with National Highways Control Rooms around incidents, manage the chain of command, and dispatch resources as appropriate. The team also play a key role providing insight and intelligence on network risk and incidents.
* The team are responsible for security and resilience of the Network (including CPS depots and offices) and delivering the contractual obligations. CPS Security team consults with several stakeholders around risks to the M25 network, including Connect Plus, National Highways and Emergency Services.
* The team investigate criminal offences such as fly‑tipping, theft and suspected terrorist related activity and collaborate closely with the local Police and external agencies. We also operate security patrols at Dartford Crossing, Dartford cycle services, Abnormal Loads and Dangerous Goods Movements from the Kent Marshalling Area.
* The team is responsible for overseeing Fleet Management and ensuring compliance across our entire delivery network, including vehicle maintenance, regulatory adherence, operational efficiency, and safety protocols. By implementing best practices and monitoring performance, they help streamline logistics, reduce risks, and enhance overall service reliability.
Who we’re looking for
* Successful track record of effective leadership in highways operations infrastructure, construction, or a similar industry with transferrable expertise, including P&L.
* Bring a personal relentless focus on Zero Harm.
* Demonstrated ability to resolve complex issues and make informed decisions quickly in a fast‑paced, reactive environment.
* Strong ability to engage effectively with all levels, including Board Members and client Executives, and build and maintain healthy relationships.
* Capable of inspiring teams by leading by example on behavioural standards to drive the highest standards, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and deliver operational excellence.
* Experience in leading multi‑disciplinary teams, ensuring cohesion, and optimising workforce performance.
* Strong aptitude for promoting and upholding the highest standards and regulatory compliance.
* Ability to be resilient and adaptable in a dynamic environment and encompass a high degree of empathy and support.
Benefits
* Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
* 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata).
* Family‑friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave.
* Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more…
EEO Statement
We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long‑term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage diverse candidates to apply.
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