Service Delivery Manager in Leeds

We are seeking a Service Delivery Manager to take over an established multi-site operation in the Leeds/Bradford region. This is a key leadership role within the business, responsible for maintaining strong operational performance while continuing to drive improvements in service, efficiency, and compliance. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced transport professional to take on a high-responsibility role with full ownership of operational delivery, financial performance and team leadership across skip and RoRo services.

The Service Delivery Manager is responsible for the end-to-end management of skip and RoRo operations, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and in full compliance with regulatory standards. This role holds full accountability for the operational P&L, requiring a strong commercial mindset to drive efficiencies, manage costs and improve overall profitability. The Service Delivery Manager will lead and develop a large operational team, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability and professionalism across all activities. This role also requires the individual to hold a Transport Manager CPC and be willing to be named on the company’s Operator’s License (O-License).

Key Accountabilities

• Full ownership and accountability for the operational P&L, including budgeting, cost control, and delivering efficiency improvements
• Lead daily transport operations, ensuring effective route planning, fleet utilisation, and resource allocation
• Ensure full compliance with Operator Licence requirements, transport legislation, WTD, and all regulatory standards
• Lead, manage, and develop drivers and operational staff to achieve high levels of performance, engagement, and professionalism
• Set clear expectations around standards of behaviour, safety, and service delivery, ensuring consistency across the team
• Implement structured performance management, coaching, and development to drive accountability and continuous improvement
• Deliver against key operational KPIs including service, cost, compliance, and customer satisfaction
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders (sales, customer service, workshop, compliance) to ensure seamless service delivery
• Take ownership of service recovery and escalations, ensuring issues are resolved effectively and professionally
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and service quality
• Oversee fleet performance, maintenance planning, and asset utilisation to minimise downtime and maximise output
• Overall leadership of skip and RoRo transport operations
• Driver management, engagement, and performance
• Route planning, optimisation, and operational execution
• Compliance management, including audits, inspections, and incident investigations
• Financial performance, cost control, and reporting
• Fleet management and coordination with maintenance teams
• Customer service delivery and issue resolution
• KPI monitoring, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Risk management and operational resilience

Experience and Skills

• Proven experience in waste management (skip/Roro is highly desirable) - essential
• Transport Manager CPC and willingness to be named on the Operator’s License – essential
• Full UK driving license - essential
• Strong leadership experience managing operational teams in fast-paced environments
• Ability to positively shape team behaviours and performance
• Demonstrable experience in managing budgets and delivering against P&L targets
• Solid understanding of transport legislation, WTD, compliance and Health and Safety requirements
• Strong commercial awareness with a focus on cost control and profitability
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels
• Additional qualifications (e.g. IOSH, First Aid, ADR awareness) - desirable

We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste. Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve.

We are Panda. We value waste. At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together. We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward. We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems; we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make. And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing. Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact. Take the first step and join us on the journey. Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.