Zonal Response Operative
COLASJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
Colas is hiring a Zonal Response Team (ZRT) Operative for predominantly night shifts at the Bescot depot, WS1 4NL, on a 42-hour 4 on 4 off pattern. You’ll follow dispatch instructions to complete temporary highway repairs, install and remove traffic management, operate machinery, and work to COSHH and HAVS safety rules while protecting the environment. The ideal candidate has highways maintenance experience, a full UK driving licence, and an HGV Class 2 licence unless you bring strong traffic management experience; C1E, DCPC and TTMBC qualifications are desirable. Benefits include pension, life cover, paid leave, funded qualifications, and career progression. Apply directly with a tailored CV; Colas prioritises direct hires and prefers no speculative agency CVs.
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.
Purpose of the role
Colas are looking for a Zonal Response Team (ZRT) Operative to work predominantly nights but would sometimes require flexibility to come on to days for a period of time for business requirements. The role will be to be based at our Bescot depot, WS1 4NL. You will work to instruction from the Dispatcher in the Regional Operational Centre and your supervisors, ensuring works orders are carried out on time and to required levels of quality. You will work safely at all times, complying with site rules and permitting regulations, always representing Colas in a professional manner.
Bescot | 1 x Day Shift | £12.71-14.60 (dependent on experience and licences)
✔ 42 hour working week, 4 on 4 off shift - Monthly Paid
✔ Addtional rates paid for overtime and shift patterns
✔ 20.5 days annual leave per year inclusive of bank holidays
Main Responsibilities
Your responsibilities as a ZRT Operative will be:
- Carrying out temporary highway repairs safely
- Installing and removing traffic management
- Operating machinery and equipment
- Following COSHH and HAVS safety procedures
- Driving in line with Road Traffic Act regulations
- Working 4 days on / 4 days off (days, nights & bank holidays)
- You will ensure that all operations carried out within our area of responsibility are undertaken with full regard for the safety of visitors, other members of staff and yourself
- You will ensure all activities are undertaken with due regard for the environment, to prevent pollution, comply with legal and corporate requirements and minimise environmental impact.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will have:
- Experience in highways maintenance or similar environment
- Full UK Driving Licence (essential)
- HGV Class 2 Licence is required unless you come from a strong Traffic Management work background
- C1E driving experience desirable
- Traffic Management experience beneficial
- Physically fit and able to work outdoors
- Able to work independently and within a team
- DCPC and TTMBC qualifications desirable
Package Description
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
- Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
- Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
- 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
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.