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.
Purpose of the role
We are looking for an experienced Business Performance and Compliance Manager to join our team at our Guilden Sutton depot, CH3 7EX. You will be supporting the delivery of an efficient, compliant and continuously improving highways service for Cheshire West and Chester Council. Working closely with the General Manager, senior management, client representatives and wider partners, you will play a key role in driving business performance, innovation, compliance and continuous improvement across the contract. You will lead the implementation of effective performance and improvement processes, ensuring robust reporting and compliance with contract requirements and our ISO 9001-certified Integrated Business Management System. You will also help create a culture where innovation, Lean thinking and new ideas are encouraged and translated into practical improvements.
Main Responsibilities
You’ll take the lead in driving performance, innovation and continuous improvement across the contract, using data, Lean principles and new ideas to identify opportunities and deliver measurable improvements. You’ll develop and maintain effective performance reporting for senior management and client stakeholders, while building strong relationships with colleagues, clients, SMEs and wider partners. A key part of the role will be championing our CoLab and Live Lab programmes, bringing people together to develop and trial innovative solutions, share best practice and tackle challenges such as carbon reduction. You’ll also lead Contract Working Groups and innovation workshops, identify successful initiatives from across Colas and the wider industry, explore opportunities for collaboration and external funding, and ensure ideas are progressed from initial concept through to implementation. Alongside this, you’ll help showcase our successes through case studies, communications and award submissions, while promoting a culture of collaboration, innovation, Lean thinking and continuous improvement across the contract.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidare will bring atleast 5 years experience in business performance, compliance, continuous improvement, contract management or operational performance, ideally gained within the highways, civil engineering or wider infrastructure sector. Experience working within a Local Authority highways environment would be particularly beneficial, alongside a strong understanding of contract requirements, performance frameworks, service delivery and client expectations. You’ll have proven experience managing and interpreting performance data, KPIs and dashboards, as well as delivering projects and continuous improvement initiatives from identifying opportunities through to implementation and demonstrating measurable results. Experience applying Lean principles, innovation and structured problem-solving to improve efficiency, quality, cost, safety or customer outcomes is essential, as is the ability to work autonomously and confidently engage with senior management, clients, partners and operational teams. You’ll also bring strong communication and stakeholder management skills, a collaborative approach and the confidence to challenge existing ways of working and support positive change. Lean training is essential, with HNC/HND/BTEC or equivalent qualifications desirable, alongside degree-level qualifications, professional membership and National Highways experience.
Package Description
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
- A salary between £50,000 and £60,000 (dependent on experience) PLUS Company Car / Car Allowance
- Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
- Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
- 25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays
- Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
- Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
- Family-Friendly Benefits, including Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
- Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
- Ongoing personal / professional development
- Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online 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.
