Contamination Detection Operational Lead

At Panda, we are committed to leading the way in responsible waste management and sustainability. Every day, our teams help homes and businesses manage waste more responsibly, improve recycling outcomes and support a more circular economy. As we continue to invest in technology, data and better ways of working, we are looking for a Contamination Detection Operational Lead to help us deliver a key operational programme that will improve service quality, customer behaviour and environmental performance.

The Contamination Detection Operational Lead will be responsible for the day-to-day operational management of contamination detection activity across the business. This role will lead the customer review process, oversee supplier and offshore service provider performance, maintain quality standards, monitor operational KPIs and ensure a consistent approach to customer communication and issue resolution. You will also support the successful rollout and embedding of the contamination detection solution, working closely with the Project Manager and wider business teams to ensure the operating model is implemented effectively and transitioned into business-as-usual.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys operational control, service improvement, supplier management and using data to drive better customer, commercial and environmental outcomes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and improving nationwide operational processes for contamination detection activity, ensuring consistency, service quality and effective operational control.
• Providing operational oversight of the offshore customer review function, including training, continuity planning, quality assurance and performance management.
• Acting as the key operational contact for the service provider, ensuring strong service delivery, issue resolution and continuous improvement.
• Developing, monitoring and reporting on operational KPIs, service measures, quality standards and performance targets.
• Ensuring governance, reporting accuracy, audit readiness and compliance standards are maintained across contamination detection activity.
• Standardising picture review processes, productivity measures, quality metrics and peer review controls to create a consistent and robust operating model.
• Overseeing quality assurance activity to maintain high levels of accuracy, best practice and clear customer communication.
• Using operational data to identify opportunities to improve scalability, efficiency, service outcomes and commercial performance.
• Working cross-functionally with operations, customer service, commercial, project and frontline teams to embed improved ways of working.
• Supporting the rollout and operational implementation of the contamination detection solution alongside the Project Manager.
• Helping transition new processes into business-as-usual and ensuring teams are ready to operate effectively.
• Owning and improving customer communications relating to contamination detection activity, ensuring messaging is clear, appropriate and aligned to operational objectives.
• Developing practical approaches to manage customers who repeatedly contaminate, supporting improved behaviour and better service performance.
• Promoting the use of existing composting bins and encouraging the uptake of additional bins where appropriate to improve service outcomes and support revenue generation.
• Supporting Panda’s sustainability goals by helping reduce contamination, improve recycling quality and strengthen circular economy outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience leading operational service delivery in a performance-driven environment.
• Experience managing third-party suppliers, offshore teams or outsourced service providers.
• Strong understanding of operational KPIs, quality measures, performance reporting and continuous improvement.
• Ability to interpret operational data and use insight to improve service, customer and commercial outcomes.
• Experience supporting the implementation of new processes, systems or operational change.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create clear customer and stakeholder messaging.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work across different teams.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with strong attention to detail.
• A customer-focused mindset, with the ability to balance service quality, operational performance and commercial outcomes.
• The ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners.
• Adaptability and resilience, with the confidence to support change and drive continuous improvement.

Why Join Panda?

This is a role where you can make a real operational and environmental impact. You will help shape how contamination detection is delivered across the business, improve customer behaviour, support frontline operations and contribute directly to better recycling and sustainability outcomes. If you enjoy building structure, improving service quality and turning operational data into better ways of working, this is a strong opportunity to be part of a business investing in change, technology and long-term environmental performance.

About The Company

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.