About the role
This is a hands‑on senior role with real responsibility - you’ll be running an in‑house team of roadworkers and managing external contractors across one of the most varied county road networks in the south of England. You won’t be stuck behind a desk. A council vehicle comes with the job, and you’ll be out across Dorset overseeing works, solving problems, and keeping things moving.
You’ll be part of a council that takes its highways seriously, with a proper capital programme and the resources to deliver it. There’s development support available, a local government pension, flexible working, and genuine career progression if you want it.
You’ll lead the Construction Delivery team day to day – managing roadworkers and subcontractors to deliver a mixed programme of capital and revenue maintenance works. That covers resurfacing, surface treatments, drainage, improvements, and general maintenance across the county.
The job involves managing budgets, programmes, and resources, keeping work safe and on spec, and making sure the right plant, materials, and people are in the right place. You’ll use digital auditing systems to monitor quality and carry out regular site visits and safety inspections.
You’ll also take on depot responsibilities as Premises Responsible Person when needed, feed into recruitment and staff development (including the apprenticeship programme), and take part in the winter maintenance and out‑of‑hours emergency standby rota.
It’s a busy, varied role where no two weeks are the same. If you like structure but can adapt when things change – which they will – you’ll be well suited to it.
Qualifications and Skills
You’ll need a full driving licence, an SMSTS certificate, and a CSCS card. You’ll either hold an NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations Management or be prepared to work towards it within two years of starting.
Beyond the qualifications, what matters is experience – managing operational teams, delivering programmes on time and on budget, and a solid understanding of Principal Contractor responsibilities under CDM 2015. You’ll know how to motivate a workforce, handle competing priorities, and keep sites safe for your team and the public.
Useful extras include an HNC, knowledge of Confirm or similar asset management systems, Lantra sector scheme 12D M7, or membership of a professional body such as ICE, IHE, or CIHT.
Salary
£49,282 – £55,460 (excluding out‑of‑hours standby and associated overtime).
Location
Bridport, Charminster, Stalbridge or Ferndown Depots (this role is UK‑based).
Benefits and Support
* You will be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset.
* You will have access to a range of benefits and support.
* You will receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Dis‑ability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible; if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.
This role is UK‑based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.
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