At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multi-depot operations in waste management and drive operational transformation.
- Company: Join Panda, a leading resource recovery business with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience in transport or waste management required.
We are looking for an experienced General Manager to lead a complex, multi-depot operation covering trade waste, skip, RoRo 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
- Lead multi-site operations across trade waste, skip, RoRo 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
- 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, RoRo and artic operations would be highly advantageous
Essential Qualifications and Knowledge
- Transport Manager CPC
- 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.
General Manager employer: Panda
Panda is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its employees, offering a competitive salary and benefits package alongside comprehensive training and professional growth opportunities. With a strong commitment to safety, health, environment, and quality, you will be part of a supportive team culture that values collaboration and innovation, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic operational setting. Join us in our mission to create positive change in waste management while advancing your SHEQ career in a company that truly values its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Panda.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Panda. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Panda, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Panda and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Panda. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Panda
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Panda.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Panda.
