Control Room Operator

Join to apply for the [6990] Control Room Operator role at National Highways

As a Control Room Operator, you’ll be the first line of support when someone makes that crucial roadside call. Whether it’s a breakdown, an accident, or an urgent road issue, you’ll be the voice of reassurance, the problem-solver, and the one who mobilises the right teams to take action. From setting road signs and signals, to coordinating with emergency services and ensuring our road workers can safely carry out maintenance and upgrades – you’ll be at the heart of it all.

Every day in our Regional Operations Centre is different. It’s fast‑paced, dynamic and incredibly rewarding. We take immense pride in our work, knowing that we’re connecting businesses, families, and communities across the country with passion and dedication.

Our Control Room Operators work 24/7, 365 days a year, on a rota of six days on and three days off. Shifts include:

• Early: 6 am – 2:26 pm (3 shifts)
• Late: 2 pm – 10:26 pm (3 shifts)
• Night: 10 pm – 6:26 am (3 shifts)
• Covers/Rest: any shift or days off (3 of each)

The starting salary is up to £35,062.50 (base plus 25 % shift allowance), rising to £36,512.50 after nine months probation.

• Monitor live traffic conditions using CCTV, traffic sensors, and real‑time data feeds to keep an eye on traffic flow, congestion, and incidents.
• Manage incidents – dispatch traffic officers, alert emergency services, and set up road closures or diversions.
• Provide accurate and timely information to road users, update digital road signs (Variable Message Signs), coordinate with local media, and provide updates to traffic information services.
• Collaborate with police, fire services, and local authorities to manage incidents and ensure safety.
• Coordinate road maintenance activities and construction work to minimise traffic disruption.

• Decision‑making and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication skills and telephone manner
• Ability to work calmly under pressure
• Comfortable with technology and able to learn new systems quickly
• High level of typing proficiency

• GCSE Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above), or equivalent – applicants without these qualifications may still apply if they have relevant experience.
• Prepared to work shifts as part of a 24/7 rota.

National Highways manages and improves England’s motorways and major A roads, helping our customers have safer, smoother and more reliable journeys. Our priorities are safety, customers and delivery, underpinned by our values of passion, integrity, safety, teamwork and ownership.

Operations keeps the strategic road network moving and ensures customer service excellence. We handle over 39,000 customer enquiries monthly, plan and deliver maintenance activities, drive efficiencies and improvements across our systems and roads, and respond to incidents throughout 4,500 miles of motorways and major A roads.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

• Please note, the advert may close ahead of the deadline if we receive a large number of applications.