Highways Maintenance Operative

Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.

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Purpose of the role

Colas are looking for 2 x Highways Maintenance Operative (Structures) to join our team based at Lydiate Ash Depot, B61 0QN in the West Midlands. In this role, you will work as part of a dedicated highways maintenance team, carrying out reactive, routine and programmed maintenance activities across the Strategic Road Network. You will support the safe and efficient maintenance of highway structures and infrastructure, ensuring all work is completed to the highest safety and quality standards. The role also includes participation in winter maintenance operations and emergency response activities when required.

Colas are responsible for the eight-year Maintenance & Response contract for National Highways Area 9, covering approximately 2,300 miles of Strategic Road Network across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire, as well as parts of Gloucestershire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Lydiate Ash Depot, West Midlands | Full Time | £12.71 - £14.60 per hour (dependent on experience and qualifications)

✔ 40-hour working week

✔ Monthly Paid

✔ Additional rates paid for overtime, standby and call-outs

✔ 21 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Main Responsibilities

Your responsibilities as a Highways Maintenance Operative (Structures) will include:

• Carrying out highways structures maintenance activities safely and efficiently
• Responding to inspections, complaints and emergency situations
• Undertaking grass cutting, landscape maintenance and bridge drainage cleaning
• Supporting reactive, routine and programmed maintenance activities
• Working closely with colleagues to ensure safe systems of work and risk assessments are followed at all times
• Participating in Incident Management and Winter Service operations
• Operating company plant, equipment and vehicles safely and in accordance with company procedures
• Conducting vehicle safety checks before use
• Completing administrative duties, including timesheets and recording labour, plant and material usage
• Maintaining a professional approach that positively reflects the company
• Working both day and night shifts as required
• Participating in out-of-hours standby rotas for winter maintenance and emergency response
• Ensure all activities are undertaken with due regard for the environment, to prevent pollution, comply with legal and corporate requirements and minimise environmental impact.
  
  

Ideal Candidate

The Successful Candidate Will Have

• Full UK Driving Licence (essential)
• Class C HGV Licence with CPC (preferred)
• Experience in highways maintenance or a similar environment (preferred)
• Relevant highways qualifications such as VRS, Traffic Management, Gully Emptying or Soft Estate Maintenance (desirable)
• A proactive, can-do attitude with the ability to work using your own initiative
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility to work days, nights and participate in emergency response and winter service rotas
  
  

Package Description

Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:

• Our Colas Pension Scheme with combined contributions of up to 10%
• Life Assurance Scheme of 4x basic salary
• Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
• Hybrid Working Scheme (role dependent)
• Opportunities to study towards fully funded professional qualifications
• Ongoing personal and professional development
• Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our employee benefits portal
  
  

At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. These values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that respect is the foundation of every relationship. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we foster fairness, transparency, and inclusion within our teams and with our clients, communities, and partners. Commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a pioneering spirit, we prioritise bold innovation over blind ambition. We welcome new ideas, invest in our people, and work to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that shape the future. Through sharing, we build trust and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and growth at all levels of the business.

Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice.

Note to Recruitment Agencies

In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.