At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multi-site operations in waste management, ensuring efficiency and high customer service standards.
- Company: Join Panda, a leading resource recovery business with a strong commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to innovation and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transforming operations and driving positive change in waste management.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in transport or logistics, with strong P&L management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced General Manager to lead a complex, multi-depot operation covering trade waste, skip, Ro Ro and artic services.
This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for operational performance, commercial delivery, safety, compliance and the individual and combined P&Ls of the depots.
`The General Manager will lead the continued transformation of the operation, creating a more consistent, efficient and commercially focused model while maintaining high standards of customer service.
What You’ll Be Doing
As General Manager, you will
- Lead multi-site operations across trade waste, skip, Ro Ro and artic services
- Take full ownership of depot-level and combined P&Ls, including revenue growth, cost control and margin improvement
- Develop operational strategies that improve productivity, fleet utilisation and service delivery
- Work closely with Sales to ensure operational capability supports sustainable commercial growth
- Lead the standardisation and transformation of depots into a consistent, modern and commercially focused operating model
- Maintain high standards of health and safety, transport compliance, waste compliance, customer service and site presentation
- Lead, develop and hold depot managers and operational teams accountable for performance
- Build succession plans and develop a strong pipeline of operational leadership talent
- Ensure compliance with Operator Licence requirements, transport legislation, Working Time Directive requirements and other regulatory standards
- Act as, or oversee, the named Transport Manager across relevant Operator Licences
- Manage fleet strategy, asset utilisation and demand planning against agreed budgets
- Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve efficiency and strengthen operational performance
- Deliver against KPIs covering safety, service, cost, compliance and customer satisfaction
- Take ownership of significant operational issues, escalations and service recovery
- Work closely with Sales, Finance, Compliance and Maintenance teams
- Lead the planning and mobilisation of new contracts, ensuring operational readiness and commercial viability
- Support the continued rollout of the Panda operating model across the region
- What We’re Looking For
The successful General Manager will have
- Significant senior operational leadership experience within transport, logistics or waste management
- Experience managing multiple depots through layered management structures
- A strong track record of managing P&Ls and improving revenue, margin and operational costs
- Experience leading operational transformation and embedding new ways of working
- Strong commercial judgement and an understanding of the relationship between sales and operational delivery
- Proven experience developing managers, improving accountability and building high-performing teams
- The ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced and operationally demanding environment
- Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills
- Experience delivering significant operational-efficiency and continuous-improvement initiatives
- A high level of resilience, ownership and personal accountability
- Experience across trade waste, skip, Ro Ro and artic operations would be highly advantageous
Essential Qualifications and Knowledge
- Willingness to be named on the company’s Operator Licence where required
- Waste-management or transport-industry experience
- Full UK driving licence
- Strong knowledge of transport legislation, the Working Time Directive and Operator Licence compliance
- Strong understanding of health and safety within a transport or waste-management environment
IOSH, First Aid or ADR-awareness qualifications would be beneficial but are not essential.
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.
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General Manager in Birmingham employer: Panda Recycling UK
Panda is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its employees, fostering a collaborative work culture where diverse skills and perspectives are valued. As a General Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative operations in a dynamic environment, with access to robust career growth opportunities and a commitment to innovation and excellence. Join us in making a positive impact on communities and the environment while enjoying a supportive workplace that encourages accountability and personal ownership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Panda Recycling UK and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Panda Recycling UK!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Panda Recycling UK keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Panda Recycling UK:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Panda Recycling UK. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Panda Recycling UK
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Panda Recycling UK.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Panda Recycling UK that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Panda Recycling UK. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
