General Manager in Leeds

Quest Waste Management is entering an exciting phase of growth and development and is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead and drive the business forward. The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational performance of the organisation. This role ensures the safe, reliable, compliant, and cost‑effective delivery of waste management and environmental services, while aligning operations with regulatory requirements, financial objectives, and customer expectations. The General Manager provides executive‑level oversight across operations, finance, engineering, regulatory compliance, and customer service, ensuring the business is well‑positioned for sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy
  • Provide executive leadership and set strategic direction for all utility operations.
  • Develop and implement long‑term plans aligned with organisational goals, regulatory requirements, and infrastructure needs.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with governing boards, city leadership, regulators, and key stakeholders.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, ethics, and continuous improvement.
• Operations Management
  • Oversee daily operations of utility services (e.g., water, wastewater, electric, gas, or multi‑utility systems).
  • Ensure system reliability, service quality, emergency preparedness, and asset management.
  • Direct capital improvement planning, infrastructure maintenance, and modernisation efforts.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and industry standards.
• Financial Management
  • Develop and manage operating and capital budgets.
  • Monitor financial performance, rates, and cost controls to ensure fiscal sustainability.
  • Oversee revenue forecasting, rate studies, and financial reporting.
  • Ensure effective procurement, contracting, and financial controls.
• Regulatory & Compliance
  • Ensure full compliance with all applicable environmental, safety, and utility regulations.
  • Represent the utility in audits, inspections, hearings, and regulatory proceedings.
  • Stay informed of regulatory changes and assess organisational impacts.
• Human Resources & Organisational Development
  • Lead, mentor, and evaluate senior management and department heads.
  • Oversee workforce planning, training, labour relations, and succession planning.
  • Promote employee engagement, professional development, and performance excellence.
• Customer & Community Relations
  • Ensure high standards of customer service and responsiveness.
  • Address customer concerns, public inquiries, and service issues.
  • Represent the utility in community outreach, public meetings, and media engagements.
• Risk & Emergency Management
  • Oversee risk management, safety programmes, and emergency response planning.
  • Ensure business continuity and disaster preparedness plans are current and tested.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in utilities, public works, infrastructure, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex operations, budgets, and regulatory environments.
• Strong leadership, decision‑making, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) licence or relevant utility certifications.
• Experience in municipal or public‑sector utilities.
• Knowledge of utility rate‑setting, capital financing, and asset management best practices.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Executive‑level position with responsibility for 24/7 utility operations.
• May require on‑call availability during emergencies.
• Occasional travel for meetings, training, or regulatory engagements.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive.