Innovations Project Manager

Location: Birmingham, GB, B37 7YB

Company: COLAS ROAD UK

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

Purpose of the role

The international Colas group has a worldwide innovation network, coupled with our substantial R&D facility in Paris, which has produced a number of in-house and open innovation solutions. We are looking for someone to be an advocate for these initiatives but will also be an integrator, capable of bringing best in class solutions from industry to enhance Colas’ already impressive offer in this sector.

Colas Ltd have a rare opportunity for an Innovations Project Manager to join the Innovations team to be a part of and deliver the Live Labs 2 project, the team are based at our head office in Solihull, B37 7YB, there will be occasional travel to the South West and other sites. Reporting to the Client Director, you will continue its growth within the highways infrastructure realm, test and validate new approaches and develop complementary activities in the local and strategic highways sector in UK.

Live Labs 2 | ADEPT (adeptnet.org.uk)

Main Responsibilities

The Innovations Project Manager will be responsible for running day to day activity in the context of a wider programme of work, operating with and inspiring teams (both in the UK as well as within the international group) and a wide range of stakeholders including partner organisations and clients from local authorities and National Highways . This role will support operational teams with innovation ideas identified through client and team workshops, collateral and grant-funding applications. The Innovations Project Manager will co-ordinate ‘CoLab’ activities and support Colas operational teams by championing innovation that will bring benefits to Colas' clients and transportation users across existing and future contracts. The Innovations Project Manager will be responsible for running the activities within a defined project with a local authority and/or National Highways client, working with and inspiring our existing teams to transform towards decarbonisation and to embrace technology and change. This person will facilitate and provide support to external clients in the implementation of innovative technical solutions, by designing interventions in collaboration with the wider Colas group and by assisting clients to obtain available innovation funding for their projects. The role is part of a wider Colas innovation team and co-ordination and integration with this team is essential to benefit both the individual and the rest of this small cohesive group.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a First degree in a relevant subject or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and training. It is essential you have a minimum of 5 years experience in Project Management, within Highways and/ or Local authorities is desirable but not essential. You will have the drive and passion for innovation and decarbonisation.

This is a challenging and exciting position that requires a distinctive skill set: The successful candidate will have a track record of successfully creating, running and funding of innovation projects that deliver tangible outcomes. Experience of bringing innovation from concept to delivery included funding applications. A client facing manager with strong communication skills, being able to take complex technical issues and convey these clearly and in multiple formats to various audiences. The individual will also be an accomplished facilitator, with experience in moving the narrative away from tried and trusted methods whilst ensuring innovative alternatives are robust, future proof and provide value for money. You will be well-organised, with strong process and project management skills. As an Innovations Project Manager it is important that you have strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to build trust and productive relationships. A UK driving licence is essential.

Package Description

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

• Competitive salary package
• 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)
• 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

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.

As a business, we hold three core values Caring, Sharing and Daring. We are committed to Caring for our colleagues, promoting, equality and diversity, and maintaining a culture of fairness, transparency, and respect for all employees, clients, communities, suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders. We harness a productive environment where talents are being fully utilised and organisational goals are met, Sharing our knowledge and expertise with colleagues to progress and expand on new ideas, promoting trust, responsibility, and solidarity. Our culture is built on an innovative and pioneering mindset, Daring to welcome new ideas and approaches. We are driven to invest in our employees and encourage them to participate in innovation, moving forward and striving to provide sustainable infrastructure solutions.