At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead logistics and fleet operations, ensuring safety and compliance across multiple sites.
- Company: Join Panda, a leader in waste management with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Hands-on role with significant responsibility and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in waste logistics while leading a large team.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics management and strong leadership skills required.
- Operations Manager – Waste Logistics & Fleet Operations Reporting to: Regional
- General
- Manager
Location: Leeds and Quarrington – regional travel required The Role We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead our regional waste logistics and fleet operations across Leeds and Quarrington.
You will take responsibility for the safe, compliant and efficient operation of a large articulated fleet, using both company-owned vehicles and subcontracted hauliers to meet customer demand.
The operation includes multiple operating centres, more than 100 employees and drivers, and a substantial fleet of artic units, walking-floor trailers and associated transport assets.
This is a hands-on leadership role with significant responsibility for transport compliance, health and safety, service performance and cost control.
You will ensure the operation meets its Operator Licence obligations while improving fleet utilisation, productivity and financial performance.
What You’ll Be Doing As Operations Manager, you will
- Lead day-to-day logistics and transport operations across Leeds and Quarrington.
- Plan drivers, vehicles and subcontracted resources against operational and customer demand.
- Maintain full compliance with Operator Licence undertakings, DVSA requirements, drivers’ hours, Working Time Regulations and tachograph legislation.
- Manage articulated vehicles, walking-floor trailers and associated transport assets.
- Maximise vehicle availability and utilisation through effective planning and close coordination with fleet and workshop teams.
- Monitor service delivery, fuel performance, telematics, driver standards and transport costs.
- Manage a network of approved subcontracted hauliers, ensuring they meet all legal, insurance, waste carrier, safety and compliance requirements.
- Review subcontractor performance, spend and service levels while maintaining suitable contingency arrangements.
- Lead transport, vehicle and safety incident investigations, ensuring corrective actions are completed.
- Maintain fleet inspection, maintenance and compliance schedules.
- Lead internal and external audits across transport, safety and environmental compliance.
- Conduct site inspections, operational audits and behavioural safety observations.
- Ensure appropriate risk assessments, safe systems of work and operating procedures are in place.
- Lead and develop a large operational team, creating clear accountability for safety, service and performance.
- Manage operational budgets covering labour, fuel, subcontractors, fleet and maintenance.
- Identify opportunities to reduce cost, improve productivity and strengthen profitability.
- Support contract mobilisation, customer retention and wider business growth. What We’re Looking For You will need:
- Proven experience leading a large-scale logistics or transport operation.
- Experience managing articulated vehicle fleets in a regulated environment.
- Strong knowledge of Operator Licence obligations and transport compliance.
- Multi-site operational management experience.
- Experience managing subcontracted haulage providers.
- Responsibility for operational budgets, cost control and P&L performance.
- A track record of improving safety, compliance, service and productivity.
- Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- A practical, hands-on approach supported by sound commercial judgement.
- A National Transport Manager CPC qualification and a full UK driving licence.
An IOSH Managing Safely qualification would be advantageous.
How Success Will Be Measured Your performance will be measured through: Health and safety performance.
Operator Licence and fleet compliance.
Vehicle availability and utilisation.
Resource planning and service delivery.
Driver engagement and retention.
Subcontractor performance and compliance.
Fuel efficiency and transport cost control.
Audit outcomes and corrective-action completion.
Budget and EBITDA performance.
Customer and stakeholder satisfaction.
We are Panda.
We value waste.
Join us and lead a complex regional logistics operation where safety, compliance and commercial performance carry equal weight
Operations Manager – Waste Logistics & Fleet Operations employer: Panda
At Panda, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values safety, quality, and personal growth. As a Fabricator-Welder in Barkston, you'll enjoy a stable, hands-on role with opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to meaningful waste management solutions that positively impact our communities. Join us and be part of a passionate team dedicated to innovation and excellence in everything we do.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager – Waste Logistics & Fleet Operations
✨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 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!
✨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 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 Operations Manager – Waste Logistics & Fleet Operations
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:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Panda. 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
✨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.
✨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 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. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
