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- Tasks: Lead daily operations at a busy waste management facility and drive process improvements.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the waste management and recycling sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing sector while fostering a culture of safety and improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in waste management, team leadership, and safety compliance is essential.
- Other info: This is a hands-on role with the chance to shape site culture and performance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Northfleet, Kent (Onsite role)
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary dependant on experience and a comprehensive benefits package.
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, with flexible start and finish times to suit your schedule.
We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on Operations Manager to join a leading organisation within the waste management and recycling sector. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced operational leader to step into a pivotal role with real scope to drive change, improve processes, and lead a high-performing team.
About the Role
As Operations Manager, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of a busy waste management facility. The site plays a key role in the collection, transfer, and processing of both solid and liquid waste materials, and requires a forward-thinking individual who can bring structure, introduce process improvements, and ensure safe and efficient operations.
This role offers the chance to lead a high-performing team while reporting directly to the Operations Director. You’ll have the autonomy to drive change and ensure smooth, compliant operations, all while fostering a collaborative environment. This is a perfect opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting and has a leadership style that brings people together to deliver consistently safe and effective results.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Site Operations: Oversee daily activities across waste transfer, transport, and technical teams, ensuring efficient and compliant site performance.
- Drive Improvement: Implement visual management, 5S, and continuous improvement to boost efficiency and safety.
- Manage & Develop Teams: Support a team of six development through training, 1-2-1s, and performance management to build a strong, engaged workforce.
- Ensure Safety & Commercial Control: Promote a safety-first culture while managing budgets, P&L, and operational effectiveness.
We're looking for a confident, hands-on leader with a passion for driving operational excellence and creating a culture of safety and improvement. If you're ready to take ownership of a dynamic site and lead meaningful change, this could be the perfect next step.
You’ll thrive in this role if you have:
- Solid experience in waste management, recycling, or a similar operational environment
- A proven track record in leading teams, with a sleeves-rolled-up approach to leadership
- Confidence in budget management and hitting operational performance targets
- A strong grasp of safety and compliance, with experience embedding high standards across teams
- Recognised qualifications such as IOSH Managing Safely and WAMITAB COTC (Level 4)
Even better if you bring:
- A NEBOSH General Certificate
- Experience promoting behavioural safety or leading continuous improvement initiatives
- Familiarity with industry standards like ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001
Why Join?
This role offers an exciting opportunity to join a progressive business within a critical and growing sector. You’ll have the autonomy to shape and lead operations, influence site culture, and play a central role in driving performance. For someone motivated by improvement, development, and making a real impact, this is a standout opportunity.
Ready to lead operations and shape the future of sustainable waste management? Apply today to be considered.
Operations Manager employer: ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions
Contact Detail:
ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in waste management and recycling. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the industry and your ability to drive improvements.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the waste management sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others. Building relationships can lead to valuable insights and potential referrals for the Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and implemented process improvements in previous roles. Highlighting your hands-on leadership style will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and recent initiatives in sustainability and safety. Tailoring your conversation to align with their goals will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in waste management and operational leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive change and improve processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the waste management sector. Mention your hands-on leadership style and how it aligns with the company's goals of safety and operational excellence.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include any recognised qualifications such as IOSH Managing Safely or WAMITAB COTC (Level 4) in your application. If you have additional certifications like NEBOSH, make sure to mention those too.
Showcase Team Management Skills: Emphasise your experience in managing and developing teams. Provide examples of how you've supported team growth through training and performance management, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Operations Manager, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you lead teams, foster collaboration, and drive performance. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past.
✨Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations in waste management and recycling. During the interview, highlight your understanding of industry standards like ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001, and how they apply to operational excellence.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life situations. Prepare examples of how you've implemented process improvements or managed safety compliance in previous roles.
✨Discuss Budget Management Experience
Since budget management is a key responsibility, be ready to talk about your experience with P&L and operational performance targets. Provide concrete examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and improved financial outcomes in your previous positions.
