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- Tasks: Lead daily operations at our recycling facility, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join Panda, a leader in sustainable waste management with a passionate team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership and a passion for safety and compliance.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Site Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of Pandas processing facility. This includes ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of all plant operations — from material processing and transport, to maintenance, compliance, and people leadership. This role is accountable for aligning site performance with the company's recycling strategy, sustainability commitments, and commercial targets.
Responsibilities
- Health, Safety, Environmental & Compliance
- Lead a proactive safety-first culture across the site, ensuring zero-harm principles are embedded.
- Ensure full compliance with H&S legislation, EA permits, environmental regulations, and internal policies.
- Oversee health & safety of all personnel and third-party visitors.
- Deliver safety briefings, toolbox talks, and participate in the SHEQ working group.
- Ensure all Safe Systems of Work and Risk Assessments are in place, understood, and followed.
- Coach and guide the team on accident reporting, investigations, and continuous safety improvement.
- Operations & Plant Management
- Oversee all material processing, recovery, transport, and final disposal activities.
- Maximise plant availability, throughput, and output quality within compliance and cost constraints.
- Lead site planning and review meetings to align daily activity with strategic KPIs.
- Ensure preventative maintenance of all fixed and mobile plant, working closely with engineering.
- Liaise with logistics to ensure timely movement of material in accordance with offtake agreements and permits.
- Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and productivity optimisation across the site.
- People Leadership & Development
- Recruit, induct, and develop site personnel to build a high-performing, safety-conscious team.
- Ensure sufficient staffing levels across all shifts.
- Deliver regular training, coaching, competency assessments, and performance reviews.
- Set clear objectives and maintain a culture of accountability, engagement, and development.
- Approve payroll submissions and ensure compliance with workforce planning processes.
- Financial & Commercial Responsibility
- Control site operational budgets, costs, and resource utilisation.
- Contribute to financial forecasting and reporting.
- Balance site efficiency with quality, compliance, and profitability objectives.
- Support the implementation of commercial agreements by ensuring operational capability aligns with contractual outputs.
- Strategic Execution & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Support delivery of site and regional strategic plans, including sustainability and digitalisation goals.
- Work closely with other Site Managers, Engineering, Compliance, SHEQ, and Commercial teams.
- Maintain strong relationships with regulators, partners, and key external stakeholders.
- Represent the site at regional processing and planning meetings.
Key Accountabilities
- Operational compliance with legislation, permits, and company policies
- Leadership of a safe, engaged, and capable on-site team
- Delivery of site KPIs including throughput, quality, and cost efficiency
- Maintenance of a compliant and well-maintained plant
- Contribution to strategic and continuous improvement initiatives
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Zero-harm and compliance with HS&E standards
- Site production and output targets
- Labour cost efficiency and utilisation
- Audit outcomes (internal, external, EA)
- Operational uptime and asset reliability
- Team development, retention, and engagement metrics
Qualifications & Experience
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Proven experience in operational leadership in a processing, recycling, or manufacturing facility
- Strong track record in managing safety, compliance, and plant performance
- Experience leading teams in high-risk environments
- Strong understanding of waste/recycling operations and environmental regulation
- Financial and budget management experience
- Effective communicator with strong planning and decision-making ability
Desirable
- Experience in site permit management and working with the Environment Agency
- WAMITAB Certificate of Technical Competence (COTC) – with up-to-date continued competency
- Knowledge of ERP or operational data systems (e.g. Power BI, CMMS)
- Exposure to continuous improvement or Lean methodologies
- Degree in Operations, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related discipline
Personal Qualities
- Confident, pragmatic leader with strong coaching and mentoring ability
- Resilient under pressure and solutions-focused
- Collaborative mindset and excellent interpersonal skills
- Highly organised, commercially aware, and detail-oriented
- Passionate about sustainability, safety, and operational excellence
About Panda
We are Panda. We value waste. 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. 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.
Site Manager in Widnes employer: Panda Ireland
Contact Detail:
Panda Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Manager in Widnes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to current employees at Panda. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Panda's values and operations. Understand their commitment to sustainability and safety, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to maintain safety and compliance while driving performance – that's what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Panda team and making a difference in waste management.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Manager in Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Site Manager role. Highlight your experience in operational leadership, safety management, and compliance, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Panda!
Showcase Your People Skills: As a Site Manager, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your people leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've developed teams, delivered training, or fostered a safety-first culture. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and engage others!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you're the right fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right place and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Panda!
How to prepare for a job interview at Panda Ireland
✨Know Your Safety Standards
As a Site Manager, safety is paramount. Brush up on the latest health and safety legislation and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented safety protocols in previous roles. Show them you can lead a proactive safety-first culture.
✨Demonstrate Operational Expertise
Be prepared to talk about your experience in managing plant operations. Highlight specific examples where you've maximised efficiency and output quality while ensuring compliance. This will show that you understand the balance between operational performance and safety.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
They’ll want to know how you develop and lead teams. Share stories of how you’ve recruited, trained, and motivated staff in high-pressure environments. Emphasise your coaching style and how you maintain a culture of accountability and engagement.
✨Align with Their Values
Panda values sustainability and innovation. Research their recycling strategies and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Showing that you’re passionate about making a positive impact will resonate well with the interviewers.
