Regional Manager South East in Waterford

Location: South East Ireland

Contract: Full-time

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Regional Manager to lead the safe, compliant and efficient operation of our waste-processing activities across the South East. This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for operational performance, environmental compliance, plant availability, people management and cost control. You will work closely with site teams and colleagues across SHEQ, Transport, Offtake, Recruitment and HR to ensure materials are processed and moved safely and in accordance with site permits and offtake agreements.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the day-to-day management of material processing, recovery and final disposal operations
• Take responsibility for the health, safety and wellbeing of operational employees and third-party visitors
• Ensure operations comply with Environment Agency permits, relevant legislation and company procedures
• Play an active role within the senior management team and regional processing meetings
• Maximise plant availability, material throughput and the quality of material outputs
• Manage operational costs and ensure resources are used effectively
• Ensure sufficient labour is available to operate every shift safely and compliantly
• Support the recruitment, induction and training of new employees
• Lead the training, development, coaching and performance management of operational teams
• Deliver safety briefings and toolbox talks and complete employee competency assessments
• Conduct performance reviews for operational employees
• Play a leading role within SHEQ working groups and improvement initiatives
• Oversee preventative maintenance for fixed plant, mobile plant and other operational equipment
• Work with Transport and Offtake colleagues to ensure materials leave site in line with agreements and permit requirements
• Lead daily planning and operational review meetings
• Review and approve payroll submissions for operational teams
• Identify operational issues and implement practical, sustainable improvements

What We’re Looking For

• Five to seven years’ experience in an operational supervisory, site management or regional management role
• Experience within waste management, recycling, construction, manufacturing or another industrial environment
• A strong understanding of health, safety and environmental compliance
• Proven experience leading and developing operational teams
• Strong planning, decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Commercial awareness and experience managing operational costs
• Clear and confident communication skills
• Good attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and confidence using reporting and scheduling systems
• A full UK driving licence
• The flexibility to travel between sites across the South East as required

This Regional Manager role would suit a visible and practical leader who can balance safety, compliance, people leadership and operational performance in a fast-moving environment.

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.