Operations Manager (Highways & Toll Roads)

Ferrovial•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping operational strategy and delivering long-term value across Ferrovial’s infrastructure portfolio. Working in the specialized Operations Department, the role combines strategic influence, team leadership, and technical expertise across project procurement, implementation, and operations. The Operations Manager turns infrastructure operations and maintenance expertise into strategies and business decisions, working across functions and with concession teams to advance performance standards, optimize lifecycle costs, manage risk, and identify value in new opportunities and the existing portfolio. The position leads Operations and Maintenance (O&M) workstreams during bids and provides strategic and technical guidance to concessions through implementation, design and construction, and operations. It develops and reviews operating strategies, procedures, maintenance and emergency plans, asset management documentation, performance measures, and lifecycle cost forecasts. The role also leads portfolio benchmarking and improvement initiatives, supports technical and commercial assessments, manages relationships with project stakeholders, and mentors direct reports. Some domestic and international travel may be required. The work environment is usually quiet. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 10 pounds, must be able to adjust visual focus for computer use, is regularly required to talk or hear, and is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
7–10+ years of management experience with direct responsibility for operations and maintenance, preferably within a concession company or Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
Experience with Department of Transportation procurement processes or highway or roadway maintenance contracts, preferably within Public-Private Partnerships (P3s).
Ability to manage projects effectively.
Ability to set priorities, delegate effectively, and manage team delivery with accountability.
Ability to build alignment, influence colleagues, and develop direct reports within a self-managed team structure.
Sound judgment and resourcefulness in balancing competing priorities, resolving complex problems, and implementing processes in a fast-paced environment.
Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including the ability to translate complex data into strategic and commercial insights.
Technical writing and communication skills to support coordination and informed decision-making.
Presentation skills to communicate technical concepts and strategic recommendations to varied audiences.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other PC-based applications.
Ability to travel, potentially including domestic and international air travel.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds; adjust visual focus for computer use; talk or hear regularly; and stand, walk, and sit frequently.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Professional Engineer (PE) certification.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Experience with CAD and/or MicroStation.
Experience with VUE Works asset management software and ArcGIS.

Responsibilities

Lead the O&M workstream across all bidding phases in partnership with Business Development, shaping competitive bid strategies.
Represent the Operations Department in project meetings; oversee O&M deliverables; select and manage external advisors; and coordinate operational inputs on ITS, tolling systems, and insurance.
Define integrated operating and maintenance strategies during bidding that meet performance requirements and support long-term asset value.
Establish team structures, maintenance strategies, and procedures for activity levels, rehabilitation approaches, and tolling operations where applicable.
Oversee and perform lifecycle cost analyses using O&M models, translating contractual requirements into cost assumptions for bid strategy and decision-making.
Coordinate technical support during bidding, including bid-document reviews, risk assessments, and engagement with advisors such as the Lenders’ Technical Advisor.
Prepare presentations, reports, and technical proposals communicating operational strategies and supporting informed decisions.
Provide strategic and technical guidance to concession teams across implementation, design and construction, and operations.
Guide the setup and optimization of O&M teams and subcontracting arrangements to align structures and delivery models with project needs.
Drive development, review, and continuous improvement of operational procedures, maintenance plans, emergency plans, and asset management documentation.
Define and monitor KPIs, asset performance metrics, and service levels, and guide implementation and improvement of Asset Management Systems.
Advise concession companies on contractual change requests, compensation events, and scope modifications, providing technical and commercial assessments.
Contribute O&M input to annual business planning and budgeting, aligning OPEX, CAPEX, and lifecycle forecasts with asset priorities.
Promote operational excellence and asset management best practices across concessions.
Provide technical input to design optimization, construction activities, and O&M initiatives to reflect long-term operational needs and lifecycle value.
Identify and assess operational, maintenance, and lifecycle risks, and develop mitigation strategies.
Evaluate and implement innovative technologies, digital solutions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead portfolio benchmarking and performance assessments, turning insights into cost optimization, value enhancement, and operational improvement opportunities.
Assess and implement O&M optimization strategies balancing service quality, asset performance, and cost efficiency.
Develop training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives to build operational expertise across the portfolio.
Monitor non-conformance management, corrective action plans, and compliance improvement initiatives.
Lead lessons-learned and knowledge management processes, sharing operational practices and supporting continuous improvement.
Analyze O&M expenditure and strategies across existing projects and use historical performance and lessons learned to strengthen lifecycle cost models for new opportunities.
Maintain long-term O&M cost forecasts for existing projects to support valuation, business planning, and investment decisions.
Lead, mentor, and develop direct reports by setting priorities and expectations, providing feedback, and supporting performance and professional growth.
Review technical provisions in Design-Build and O&M contracts and assess implications for operational delivery and lifecycle performance.
Support and oversee lenders’ technical due diligence, coordinating operational inputs and responses to technical matters.
Develop and maintain integrated long-term CAPEX and OPEX forecasting models for valuation, asset planning, and bidding strategies.
Shape O&M strategies and value-enhancement initiatives aligned with long-term asset performance.
Manage relationships with concession companies, contractors, public agencies, lenders, and project partners, building alignment around operational priorities and project objectives.