At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise recycling operations for a greener future.
- Company: Join Britannia Refined Metals, a pioneer in sustainable metal solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to make an impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with exposure to various operational functions.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of the Circular Economy and drive real change.
- Qualifications: Experience in recycling or heavy industry with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Britannia Refined Metals Limited, Northfleet, Kent, United Kingdom is a leading supplier of strategic minerals & metal products essential for the Green Transition and Decarbonisation of our society. The Company has been established over 100 years ago to refine lead and silver and is working on the expansion plan to promote the Circular Economy in the UK's Metal Industry.
This position is a key leadership role responsible for coordinating and optimizing recycling operations, acting as the central link between logistics, operations, maintenance, planning and leadership teams. The role is responsible for ensuring that plant operations run efficiently, safely and in line with business targets, while driving continuous improvement across all operational streams. By applying strong leadership, structured operational control and data‑driven decision making, the role ensures stability, performance and compliance across a complex industrial processing environment.
The position supports operations from daily execution through to medium‑term operational planning, providing visibility, control and responsiveness across all process stages. It is critical in balancing production throughput, labour, equipment availability and process reliability, while minimizing disruption and maximizing operational performance. Progression in this role would involve greater ownership of operational strategy, plant performance optimisation, value of feed and leading wider continuous improvement initiatives across the business. The role offers exposure to multiple operational functions, making it both varied and impactful.
A strong understanding of industrial operations, people management and commercial mindset is essential. The ideal candidate will:
- Be experienced in leading operations within a recycling, manufacturing, process or heavy industrial environment with strong Environmental, Health and Safety regulations.
- Have strong leadership skills, with the ability to develop teams and drive operational performance.
- Be an effective communicator, capable of coordinating across multiple departments (commercial team, suppliers, customers and leadership teams).
- Be highly organised, flexible and with the ability to manage complex operational priorities and changing production demands.
- Have strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and implement sustainable solutions.
- Be experienced in operational budgeting, resource management and performance improvement.
- Have a proactive mindset, with the ability to manage risk, improve reliability and maintain operational standards.
- Be committed to maintaining high standards of health, safety, environmental and quality compliance.
Qualifications and Requirements (Essential / preferred):
- Manufacturing / industrial background
- Proven experience within recycling, waste management, manufacturing, processing or heavy industrial operations.
- Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Logistics or related discipline preferred. HNC/HND considered with strong operational leadership experience.
Operations / leadership knowledge:
- Production and process operations management.
- Operational planning and resource coordination.
- Health, Safety and Environmental compliance (BSi /EA permit audits).
- People management and performance development.
Systems and data skills:
- ERP systems (SAP preferred).
- Excel.
- Operational reporting and KPI analysis.
- Power BI or similar reporting tools preferred.
Process improvement knowledge:
- Lean manufacturing.
- Six Sigma/DMAIC.
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
- Continuous improvement methodologies.
- Data analysis and operational performance monitoring.
Additional desirable experience:
- Process manufacturing or recycling industry experience (WAMITAB qualifications).
- Understanding of maintenance planning and asset care systems.
- Experience managing operational budgets and cost control initiatives.
- Experience with waste management and transport.
Due to the nature of the Company’s operations, we operate a strict no‑smoking policy on the premises, non‑smoking applicants would therefore be preferred for this role.
Head of Recycling New in Northfleet employer: Glencore International AG
Britannia Refined Metals Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Northfleet, Kent, where innovation meets sustainability. With over a century of expertise in refining and a commitment to the Circular Economy, employees benefit from a culture that prioritises safety, continuous improvement, and professional growth. The Head of Recycling role not only provides leadership opportunities but also allows for impactful contributions towards the Green Transition, making it a meaningful career choice for those passionate about environmental stewardship.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Recycling New in Northfleet
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Recycling New in Northfleet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Glencore International AG specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Glencore International AG
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Glencore International AG, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Glencore International AG value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
