Head of Traffic Management

Head of Traffic Management

Sapphire Utility Solutions, Part of Lanes Group

Location: Any of our Sapphire Office Locations around Manchester & Leeds

About Us

Lanes Group is the UK's leading wastewater and utilities solutions provider, employing more than 4,500 people nationwide and delivering essential infrastructure services to customers across multiple sectors. Innovation, safety and continuous improvement sit at the heart of everything we do.

As part of Lanes Group, Sapphire Utility Solutions delivers industry-leading traffic management services, supporting major infrastructure and utility projects throughout the UK.

The Role

As Head of Traffic Management, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Traffic Management function, ensuring resources, workflows and compliance activities are effectively managed to deliver exceptional service to customers and stakeholders.

Working closely with senior leadership teams, you'll play a key role in supporting business growth, maintaining NHSS accreditation requirements and driving continuous improvement across the operation.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Business Growth

• Set clear objectives, performance standards and operational priorities.


• Develop and implement traffic management strategies aligned to business goals.


• Support business growth initiatives and contribute to securing new opportunities.


• Work collaboratively with Regional Operations Managers to improve employee retention and engagement.

Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day traffic management operations.


• Ensure effective planning, scheduling and allocation of resources.


• Balance workloads and maximise operational efficiency.


• Monitor performance and ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within agreed standards.


• Optimise resource utilisation across the business.

Compliance & Accreditation

• Lead compliance with National Highways Sector Scheme (NHSS) requirements.


• Maintain accredited management systems and drive continuous improvement.


• Act as the primary contact for audits and external assessments.


• Ensure all operational activities meet safety, quality and regulatory standards.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, systems and processes.


• Develop reporting tools, dashboards and management information.


• Drive improvements that enhance productivity, quality and safety performance.

Stakeholder Management & Reporting

• Build strong relationships with operational, commercial and HSQE teams.


• Provide expert guidance on traffic management compliance and operational risk.


• Produce executive-level reports covering performance, compliance and commercial outcomes.


• Engage with regulators, auditors and external stakeholders when required.

What we need from you:

• Significant experience within traffic management, highways, utilities or infrastructure environments.


• Proven experience managing NHSS compliance and accreditation processes.


• Strong operational leadership and resource planning experience.


• Experience leading audits and working with regulatory bodies.


• Demonstrable experience managing complex, multi-site operations.


• In-depth knowledge of National Highways Sector Schemes (NHSS).


• Excellent organisation and problem-solving abilities.


• Ability to analyse data and make informed operational decisions.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Highways, Civil Engineering, Operations Management or a related discipline.


• NHSS certification or equivalent experience managing accredited schemes.

What We Offer

• Company benefits package


• Career progression opportunities within a growing national business


• The opportunity to shape a critical operational function


• A collaborative and supportive leadership environment


• Investment in your professional development

Ready to lead a high-performing Traffic Management function and make a real impact? We'd love to hear from you.