Michael Walker
Utility Avoidance Manager
Hire this person
Send a job offer directly to this candidate
About
Health & Safety–focused professional with extensive experience delivering safe systems of work across high-risk infrastructure environments, including HS2 and National Highways. Proven track record in risk identification, incident prevention, and leading teams to achieve zero-harm outcomes. Experienced in CDM compliance, audits, and promoting a strong safety culture across multi-site operations.
Confident influencing senior stakeholders and driving continuous improvement in safety performance.
Experience
Utility Avoidance Manager at Colas Ltd (2024-09 – Present)
- Lead health & safety risk assurance across multiple infrastructure projects
- Advise senior leadership and operational teams on safe systems of work and compliance
- Reduced utilities strike frequency rate from 0.79 to 0.55 through proactive risk management
- Led incident investigations, identifying root causes and embedding preventative controls
- Conduct audits and drive improvements in safety performance and reporting
- Deliver training and competency sessions to engineers and site teams
- Strengthened stakeholder engagement with asset owners and regulatory bodies
- Review and improve procedures relating to high-risk underground and overhead services
- Support implementation of digital systems to enhance compliance and reporting
Assistant Utility Protection Manager at VINCI (2023-10 – 2024-09)
- Supported delivery of health & safety compliance across major HS2 programme
- Maintained a zero utility strike record through effective risk identification and controls
- Conducted site audits, inspections, and safety briefings
- Managed teams in high-risk environments ensuring adherence to safe systems of work
- Supported incident investigations and continuous improvement initiatives
Utility Service Coordinator at Colas Ltd (2022-07 – 2023-10)
- Coordinated risk management activities across multiple projects
- Developed and reviewed RAMS and safe systems of work
- Delivered site briefings and ensured compliance with safety procedures
- Supported safe planning and execution of works
Utility Surveyor at CAT Surveys (2021-07 – 2022-07)
- Identified underground services and associated risks using specialist equipment
- Supported safe excavation practices through accurate data and risk awareness
Data Capture Surveyor at Cadent Gas (2019-10 – 2021-07)
- Verified asset installation compliance and supported safety-critical operations
- Maintained accurate records in regulated environments
Traffic Systems Engineer / Supervisor at SRL Traffic Systems (2015-05 – 2019-10)
- Managed teams in high-risk roadside environments
- Responsible for safety, compliance, and operational delivery
- Developed strong leadership and safety management foundations
