Utilities Avoidance Manager

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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Purpose of the role

Colas Ltd have an exciting opportunity for a Utility Avoidance Manager, you will be a key member of the SHE team, providing specialist support, guidance and mentoring to operational teams to help prevent contact with overhead and underground utilities. You will provide leadership in utility avoidance across the business, working closely with Colas leadership teams to ensure employees using CAT and Genny equipment are appropriately trained and competent, while supporting the effective use of the Radiodetection portal. You will also play an important role in identifying, training and mentoring Utility Avoidance Champions across the business to help strengthen awareness, compliance and best practice.

Main Responsibilities

The role will involve carrying out GPR, CAT and Genny scanning and producing reports in line with local business requirements, as well as implementing and monitoring the CAT and Genny equipment register to ensure compliance with company and client requirements. You will be responsible for delivering training and competency assessments for CAT and Genny users, supporting Line Managers in ensuring competent individuals are appointed, and reviewing and updating training materials where required. You will use data from the Radiodetection portal to monitor and review how the system is being used by employees and the supply chain, providing guidance and mentoring where data identifies that users are not following their training or required processes. You will also identify, train and mentor Utility Avoidance Champions within each business unit, enabling them to monitor the Radiodetection portal, provide feedback to Line Managers and support the ongoing development of CAT and Genny users. The role will also involve reviewing company policies and procedures, recommending updates and improvements where required, and supporting the wider SHE team with any additional duties as directed by the AD SHEQ. You will be expected to effectively plan and manage your own workload while contributing to the overall utility avoidance improvement programme.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an experienced utility avoidance professional with a minimum of five years’ experience working within utility avoidance and a strong understanding of overhead and underground apparatus. You will have excellent communication skills and be confident working with a wide range of operational stakeholders, providing clear guidance, training and mentoring to support safe working practices. The successful candidate will hold a QCF Level 3 qualification in Utility Mapping and Surveying, CITB GPR Verification and Avoidance, SMSTS and a valid CSCS Card. A QCF Level 5 qualification in Utility Mapping and Surveying would be desirable. You will be organised and self-motivated, with the ability to manage your own time effectively, analyse data and identify opportunities for improvement while building positive relationships across the business.

Package Description

Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:

• A salary between £50,000 and £58,000 (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.