Operations Manager
Location: Newbury, West Berkshire
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 (based on experience)
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: Monday–Friday: 07:00–17:00 | Saturday: 07:00–12:00 (flexible within operational requirements)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to provide strategic leadership across multiple recycling and waste processing sites. This is a senior-level position offering the opportunity to shape operational performance, drive efficiency, and lead a high-performing team in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
*Provide overall leadership for all operational sites, ensuring performance across safety, compliance, and financial targets.
*Act as the main point of contact for operational issues, customer concerns, and emergencies.
*Lead and develop the management team, including supervisors and maintenance staff.
*Monitor incoming/outgoing loads, recycling levels, and processing line performance; compile reports and statistics.
*Manage infrastructure, transfer stations, and processing machinery.
*Champion Health & Safety:
*Set and enforce safety-first policies.
*Ensure consistent implementation of H&S procedures across all sites.
*Review and approve risk assessments and training plans.

*Oversee people management:
*Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention.
*Set clear expectations for performance and conduct.
*Handle senior-level performance or disciplinary issues.

*Control budgets and financial performance:
*Oversee P&L, cost centres, and operational expenditure.
*Authorise spending and drive cost savings without compromising safety or quality.

*Ensure robust scheduling and resource planning across sites.
*Oversee maintenance of plant, vehicles, and infrastructure; maintain accurate asset registers.
*Promote operational excellence through standardisation, best practice sharing, and continuous improvement.
*Ensure environmental compliance and maintain all permits and documentation.
*Produce clear operational and financial reports for senior leadership.
Requirements
*WAMITAB Level 4 and CPC Manager Qualification.
*Significant experience at GM/Operations Manager level within waste management, recycling, logistics, or heavy industry.
*Proven leadership of multi-site operations and large teams.
*Strong commercial and financial management skills, including budget ownership.
*Expert knowledge of Health & Safety legislation (NEBOSH or IOSH preferred).
*Ability to analyse data and produce accurate reports.
*Solid understanding of environmental regulations in the waste industry.
*Track record of process improvement and delivering results.
*Excellent IT skills (MS Office, SAP).
*Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between sites.
*Desirable: 360 excavator, HGV, and forklift licences.
Benefits
*Competitive salary (based on experience).
*Company commercial vehicle.
*No shift work.
*On-site parking.
*Pension scheme.