At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise waste and recycling operations, leading a team of 70-80 staff.
- Company: Join a supportive and innovative team dedicated to environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, life assurance, and a nursery on-site.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a friendly, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supervising teams and knowledge of health and safety compliance.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As a Recycling and Waste Supervisor, you will play a key role in the operational delivery of Reading’s waste and recycling services. You will manage and support a large frontline workforce, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard for residents and businesses across the borough. Working closely with the Recycling and Waste Senior Operations Officer, you will supervise day‑to‑day operations including domestic refuse, recycling, food waste, bulky collections, and trade waste services. You will also support service improvement initiatives, staff development, health and safety compliance, and operational planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate day‑to‑day recycling and waste collection operations
- Lead, motivate, and manage a frontline workforce of approximately 70–80 staff
- Ensure staffing resources are effectively allocated to maintain service continuity
- Monitor performance, attendance, training, and health & safety compliance
- Conduct return‑to‑work meetings, appraisals, toolbox talks, and team briefings
- Support investigations, incident reporting, and implementation of safe working practices
- Assist with service improvement projects and operational efficiencies
- Work collaboratively with internal departments, contractors, and external partners
- Support customer service responses, enquiries, and operational problem‑solving
- Deputise for senior operational management when required
About You
You will be an experienced and confident supervisor with a strong track record of managing frontline operational teams in a fast‑paced environment. You will have excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate staff, manage performance, and maintain high standards of service delivery. A strong understanding of health and safety, operational compliance, and resource planning is essential, along with the ability to problem‑solve and make effective decisions under pressure. You will be organised, adaptable, and customer‑focused, with experience of working collaboratively across teams and dealing professionally with members of the public and stakeholders. Experience within waste, recycling, environmental, logistics, or similar operational services would be highly advantageous, alongside knowledge of relevant legislation and a commitment to continuous service improvement.
Our Offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at 19 Bennet Road, Reading
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
Recycling and Waste Supervisor in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
As a Recycling and Waste Supervisor, you will thrive in a supportive and innovative environment that values your contributions and encourages professional growth. With a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and flexible working opportunities, you'll enjoy a modern workplace in Reading that prioritises employee well-being and development. Join a collaborative team dedicated to delivering high-quality waste and recycling services while making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recycling and Waste Supervisor in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the recycling and waste sector, attend local events, or join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their values and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams and handled challenges in past roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to manage frontline operations effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Recycling and Waste Supervisor in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Recycling and Waste Supervisor role. Highlight your experience in managing frontline teams and any relevant operational services you've worked in. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Leadership Skills:In your application, don’t shy away from showcasing your leadership abilities. Talk about how you've motivated teams, managed performance, and maintained high service standards. We love to see examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles!
Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities:We’re keen on candidates who can think on their feet! Include examples in your application where you've successfully solved operational issues or improved processes. This will show us that you can handle the fast-paced environment we work in.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Recycling and Waste Supervisor. Familiarise yourself with waste management processes, health and safety regulations, and operational compliance. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you motivated staff, handled performance issues, or improved service delivery. Being able to share these experiences will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to make decisions under pressure. Prepare scenarios where you had to solve operational problems or improve efficiency. This will show that you can think on your feet and handle challenges effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the team's current challenges, upcoming projects, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
