Performance and Compliance Manager

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