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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Colas are responsible for the Maintenance & Response contract for Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), delivering a range of highway and structures maintenance services across the network. This includes cyclical and reactive maintenance, planned schemes, and the upkeep of Chester City Walls, a Grade I listed monument, helping to keep the highways network safe, serviceable, and sustainable.
We are looking for a Highways Maintenance Operative to join the Structures and Bridges team based in Winsford, Chester CW7 2RB. Working as part of a dedicated structures team, you will carry out a variety of maintenance activities on bridges and highway structures, helping to preserve and improve vital infrastructure across the county.
Winsford | Full Time | 12.71-14.60
✔ Monthly paid salary
✔ Overtime and additional shift payments available
✔ Up to 10% combined pension contributions
✔ 21 days holiday plus bank holidays
As a Highways Maintenance Operative, your duties will include but not be limited to the following:
Carrying out reactive, routine and programmed maintenance on bridges and structures across the CWAC network- Undertaking brickwork repairs, painting, concrete repairs and joinery works
- Preparing structures for inspections, including vegetation clearance, strimming and general site preparation
- Cleaning bridge drainage systems and carrying out minor maintenance activities to ensure structures remain safe and serviceable
- Responding to inspections, defects, complaints and emergency situations as required
- Promoting and maintaining high standards of health and safety at all times
- Working closely with team members to ensure safe systems of work and risk assessments are followed
- Participating in Incident Management and Winter Service activities when required
- Operating company vehicles, plant and equipment safely and in accordance with company procedures
- Completing administrative tasks including timesheets and recording labour, plant and material usage
- Maintaining a professional approach that positively reflects the image of Colas
- Working flexibly, including occasional nights and weekends when operational requirements demand
- Undertaking any other reasonable duties as directed by your Supervisor or Line Manager
As a Highways Maintenance Operative, we are looking for:
✔ Full UK Driving Licence (or working towards obtaining one)
✔ Experience within bridges, structures or highways maintenance environments
✔ Knowledge of painting, brickwork, concrete repairs and joinery works
✔ A proactive, can-do attitude with the ability to work on your own initiative
✔ Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure
✔ Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
✔ Commitment to maintaining high health and safety standards
Desirable qualifications and experience:
✔ Excavator or plant operation tickets
✔ MEWP certification
✔ Chainsaw qualification
✔ Spraying licence
✔ PASMA / Tower Scaffold qualification
✔ Other relevant highways or structures maintenance qualifications
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
Life Assurance Scheme of up to 4x basic salary- Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
- 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 online employee benefits portal
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
- Opportunities for career progression within a leading infrastructure services business
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.
