Senior Operations Manager (Asphalt)

Senior Operations Manager – Asphalt (South West & Wales)

Lead regional Asphalt operations. Drive performance. Deliver safer, smarter infrastructure.

Are you a senior operations leader with a strong background in asphalt production? Do you thrive on driving safety, operational excellence, commercial performance and people development across complex, multi‑site operations? Are you ready to shape regional strategy and make a tangible impact across a critical part of the business?

This is a high‑impact leadership opportunity within Tarmac’s Asphalt business, covering the South West & Wales region.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a Senior Operations Manager to lead Asphalt operations across the South West & Wales, with accountability for asphalt operations across the region.

You’ll lead and inspire a team of experienced managers to deliver:

Outstanding health, safety and environmental performance
High‑performing, reliable and efficient asphalt manufacturing operations
Strong financial and commercial outcomes
A sustainable, future‑ready leadership and talent pipeline

This is a regional role, offering flexibility on location. Whether you’re based in Bristol, Exeter, Newport, Gloucester, Hereford, Cardiff, Swansea or elsewhere across the South West & Wales, we’re focused on securing the right leader to deliver results.

Reporting to the Regional Operations Director, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the annual Asphalt strategy for the region.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

As Senior Operations Manager (Asphalt), you’ll lead through others to ensure safe, efficient and high‑quality asphalt production and performance. Your responsibilities will include:

Driving industry leading safety standards
Overall leadership of regional Asphalt operational performance, safety, cost and reliability
Leading monthly KPI and performance reviews, driving corrective action and improvement
Designing, owning and delivering the annual strategic plan for the Asphalt business
Full budget accountability, ensuring financial targets and efficiencies are achieved
Driving a continuous improvement culture, sharing best practice and innovation
Actively embedding Tarmac’s sustainability strategy, including use of lower‑carbon materials and processes
Ensuring production is closely aligned with commercial demand to maximise returns and minimise waste
Overseeing product quality, consistency and customer satisfaction
Leading customer complaints reviews, ensuring effective root cause analysis
Managing capex submissions, maintaining the 5‑year asset and investment plan
Working closely with technical, commercial and supply chain teams
Developing and retaining a high‑performing, engaged management team

What We’re Looking For

You’ll be an experienced senior operational leader with proven success in asphalt manufacturing and/or surfacing operations, within a heavy materials, construction materials or infrastructure environment.

You’ll combine strong technical expertise with commercial insight and the ability to lead at scale.

Key experience and capabilities include:

Strong understanding of health, safety and environmental legislation in asphalt operations
In‑depth technical knowledge of asphalt production, bituminous mixtures and Recycled Asphalt Planings (RAP)
Understanding of asphalt plant operations, logistics, supply chain and quality control
Proven ability to lead through managers, developing teams and future leaders
Commercial acumen with experience managing budgets, costs and margins
Appreciation of sustainable asphalt solutions, materials innovation and emissions reduction
Strong problem‑solving capability, including root cause analysis
Confident communicator with experience engaging senior internal and external stakeholders
Analytical mindset, using data and trends to support operational decision‑making
Strong organisational and strategic planning skills

A full UK driving licence is essential as a company car or car allowance is provided with this role.

Why Join Tarmac?

At Tarmac, who you are matters.

Our Asphalt business plays a vital role in building, maintaining and renewing the UK’s road and transport networks. We are proud of the quality of our products, the expertise of our people and our commitment to safer, more sustainable infrastructure.

We value people who are:

Proud of delivering high‑quality work
Collaborative and supportive leaders
Ambitious to innovate, improve and drive change

We’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued and empowered to perform at their best.

If you’re ready to take on a senior leadership role and shape the future of Asphalt operations across the South West & Wales, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Tarmac

We don't just offer a job, we offer a career.

Alongside this role, you'll have access to industry-leading rewards, development opportunities, and a culture that puts people first, including:

Bonus scheme
Enhanced holiday entitlement
Contributory pension scheme
Access to the Tarmac Reward website with discounts on retailers, holidays, etc.
Access to our Employee Assistance helpline for free and confidential advice
Access to join our Employee Communities (employee networks) we currently have nine communities inc.(REACH) Religious, Ethnic, Cultural Heritage, LGBTQ+, Parents & carers, Ability, Wellbeing, Female voice and menopause
Training and development opportunitiesTarmac is committed to being a Forces‑friendly employer.If you’re coming from a military background, we’ll support your transition and help you build a successful career with us.

We’re proud to be part of CRH, and even prouder to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone.If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to support you.

Ready to build your future?

Click ‘Apply’ to get started. Please note: we sometimes close roles early due to high interest, so don’t wait too long!

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Tarmac Trading Limited