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.
https://youtu.be/UfW2V6iUHpw
We are seeking an experienced Site Agent to join our Cheshire West & Chester business unit, based across Chester and Winsford, CH3 7EX. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will play a key role in the safe, efficient, and successful delivery of highway civil engineering and surfacing projects. As Site Agent, you will be responsible for managing projects from inception through to completion, ensuring client expectations are met and projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. You will oversee operational activities on site, manage resources and subcontractors, monitor financial performance, and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. A strong commitment to health, safety, environmental compliance, and promoting a positive team culture is essential.
As a Site Agent you will lead the day-to-day management of site operations, ensuring all works are carried out in accordance with company procedures, client requirements, and industry standards. You will champion a positive health and safety culture, ensuring compliance with risk assessments, method statements, CDM regulations, and all relevant legislation. You will manage labour, plant, materials, and subcontractors to ensure resources are effectively utilised and projects progress in line with programme requirements. Working closely with operational and commercial teams, you will monitor project costs, control budgets, identify variations, and maximise value and profitability across contracts. The role involves maintaining strong client relationships through regular communication, meetings, and site visits, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction throughout project delivery. You will also be responsible for maintaining accurate site records, producing reports and forecasts, coordinating subcontractors, and supporting project planning activities. As a leader, you will support, motivate, and develop site teams, identifying training needs and encouraging a collaborative and flexible approach to work. You will uphold company standards, policies, and procedures while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
The ideal candidate will have significant experience in highway construction, maintenance, and civil engineering, with a minimum of five years' experience in a similar Site Agent or equivalent role. You will hold an ONC, HNC, or HND qualification in Construction or Civil Engineering and possess a full UK driving licence. You will demonstrate strong contractual and commercial awareness, with experience managing project budgets and delivering successful outcomes in a fast-paced environment. A thorough understanding of health and safety legislation, CDM regulations, risk assessments, and method statements is essential. Applicants should hold a valid CSCS card and either SMSTS or IOSH certification. Experience using project planning tools such as Microsoft Project is desirable, alongside a strong understanding of industry specifications and standards. You will be an effective communicator with excellent leadership skills, capable of building positive relationships with clients, colleagues, and subcontractors. A proactive, results-driven approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities will be key to success in this role.
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
-
Competitive salary
-
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.
