Operations Manager

We are recruiting on behalf of our client, an established organisation operating within the waste processing and alternative fuel sector, for an experienced Operations Manager to take responsibility for the safe, compliant and efficient operation of their facility.

This is a key senior leadership position requiring a strong operational leader who can balance production performance, environmental compliance, health & safety and people management within a busy industrial environment.

Working closely with the Engineering & Maintenance team, you will lead site operations and use operational data, OEE and KPIs to maximise plant performance, throughput and efficiency while maintaining a strong safety-first culture.

The Role

As Operations Manager, you will take ownership of day-to-day site operations across waste reception, processing, treatment and alternative fuel manufacturing. You will be responsible for ensuring production targets are achieved safely and efficiently while driving improvements across OEE, plant utilisation, productivity, throughput and product quality.

You will oversee production planning, labour and resource allocation, stock levels and operational budgets, ensuring material flows and waste acceptance procedures are effectively managed. A key focus will be identifying opportunities to reduce downtime, control operating costs and continually improve overall site performance.

Compliance will form a significant part of the role. You will ensure the facility operates in accordance with Environmental Permit conditions, waste legislation and Duty of Care requirements, while maintaining WAMITAB compliance and supporting ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 management systems. You will also lead audits, inspections, incident investigations and corrective actions, ensuring robust operational controls are maintained.

Working collaboratively with Engineering & Maintenance, you will support maintenance planning, shutdowns, equipment upgrades, CAPEX projects and commissioning activities to maximise plant reliability and availability.

As a senior leader on site, you will coach and develop operational teams, promoting a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety and continuous improvement. You will also build effective relationships across the wider business and with customers, suppliers, contractors and regulatory bodies.

About You

We are looking for an experienced operational leader with a strong background in waste processing, recycling, alternative fuels, resource recovery or a similar industrial environment.

Essential requirements include:

• WAMITAB Level 4 Managing Transfer & Treatment Operations – Non-Hazardous Waste
• IOSH Managing Safely
• Significant operational leadership and people management experience within a relevant industrial environment
• Strong knowledge of Environmental Permit compliance and waste management legislation
• Experience working with ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001
• Demonstrable experience using OEE, KPIs and operational data to improve performance
• Proven experience delivering production targets while maintaining high safety and quality standards
• Experience managing operational budgets, labour resources and costs

Experience within RDF/SRF or alternative fuel manufacturing would be particularly advantageous, alongside experience operating within a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

A NEBOSH General Certificate, WAMITAB Continuing Competence Certification or Lean/Continuous Improvement qualification would also be beneficial.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager to take ownership of a complex industrial operation and have a genuine impact on its ongoing performance and development.

Our client is looking for someone who can combine strong operational leadership with a commercial and data-driven mindset – someone who understands that safety and compliance come first while continually looking for ways to improve plant performance, develop people and strengthen operational standards.

If you have the required WAMITAB qualification and experience leading operations within the waste, recycling, alternative fuels or wider industrial sector, we would be keen to hear from you.

Apply today for further information and a confidential discussion.