Yard Waste Manager in Swindon

We're looking for a hands on Yard Manager to lead the efficient, safe, and compliant operation of our busy yard at our Swindon Distribution Centre. You'll also lead and motivate a team of eight Warehouse Operatives, ensuring a positive, collaborative working environment. This is a full time, Monday to Friday role, working a day shift of either 8am to 4.30pm or 9am to 5.30pm. A flexible approach is essential, as you’ll occasionally be required to work earlier or later shifts to support operational requirements. You’ll be responsible for the efficient, safe, and compliant operation of the yard. This role centres on the effective processing of recyclable and non-recyclable waste streams, cost optimisation through supplier management, and the coordination of yard-based logistics. You will ensure the yard environment supports site security, maintains rigorous Health & Safety standards, and contributes to the overall operational efficiency of the warehouse.

Key Responsibilities

Waste & Recycling Management

• Oversee the daily processing of recyclable and non-recyclable materials. This includes the effective operation and maintenance of waste management equipment, specifically cardboard balers, poly machines, and compactors/crushers.
• Manage the scheduling and movement of rubbish and skip trailers, ensuring they are tipped promptly and effectively to prevent yard congestion.
• Maintain accurate logs of processed waste, ensuring all relevant recycling and waste documentation is up to date and reported correctly in daily logs.

Leading the Team

• Managing, motivating and developing a team of eight Yard Operatives.
• Planning workloads and allocating daily tasks to ensure operational priorities are met.
• Monitoring team performance against KPIs and productivity targets.
• Conducting regular one-to-one meetings, coaching and performance reviews.
• Supporting training and development to ensure all team members are competent/working safely.
• Promoting a positive, engaged and accountable team culture.

Cost Management & Supplier Relations

• Act as the primary point of contact for external waste management partners, ensuring service levels meet agreed‑upon standards and schedules.
• Actively monitor waste streams to minimise disposal costs. This includes reducing reliance on expensive general waste disposal routes and driving segregation at source.
• Maximise revenue opportunities by identifying and separating recyclable materials (e.g., cardboard, EPS, LDPE) to optimise financial rebates.
• Conduct periodic reviews of service costs (haulage, tonnage, and rental fees), challenging variances, and ensuring adherence to departmental budgets.

Yard Logistics, Compliance & Safety

• Monitor and coordinate the movement of waste within the yard ensuring waste streams are separated into clear processing areas.
• Maintain a proactive safety culture. Conduct regular walkarounds to identify hazards, manage near‑miss reporting, and ensure all MHE (Material Handling Equipment) practices adhere to company safety standards.
• Ensure yard standards extend to the cleanliness of all areas around the site to eliminate potential environmental hazards.

Continuous Improvement

• Proactively identify opportunities to streamline yard operations, reduce waste processing times, and improve overall workflow efficiency.
• Stay updated on industry best practices for waste management and recycling to enhance site productivity and compliance.
• Work closely with warehouse and logistics teams to propose and implement initiatives that reduce operational costs and enhance site safety.
• Utilise operational data to track efficiency metrics, identify bottlenecks, and recommend actionable improvements to drive performance.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in a fast‑paced warehouse or yard management environment.
• Previous experience leading and developing operational teams, with the ability to motivate, coach, to meet kpi’s.
• Strong people management skills, including performance management, conflict resolution and team development.
• Analytical with the ability to track and analyse cost‑related KPIs, managing budgets, and identifying cost‑saving opportunities.
• Strong understanding of recycling processes, waste stream segregation, and the operation of balers/compactors.
• Strong leadership abilities with a proven track record of motivating teams to meet operational KPIs.
• In‑depth understanding of relevant health and safety legislation, with a focus on driving safety KPIs such as accident reduction and incident investigation.

Benefits

• Employee discount: amazing discounts available on all Oak Furnitureland products after successful completion of probation.
• Life assurance: free cover of a minimum of two times your annual salary up to the age of 65.
• 20 days holiday per year plus bank holidays.
• Birthday: an additional day off for you to celebrate your birthday.
• Pension: 4% employee contribution matched by the company.
• Employee Assistance Programme: gives all employees access to both telephone and face‑to‑face counselling services.
• My Rewards Programme: offers discounts on everything from restaurants and supermarkets, to entertainment and holidays.
• Free on‑site parking.