Operations Manager

Cleanaway Operations Pty Ltd; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid parental leave

Share plan

Novated leasing

Flu vaccinations

EAP access

Private health insurance discounts

Company discounts

Job summary

Cleanaway is seeking an experienced site operations leader to manage organics recycling and depackaging facilities in a dynamic environment. You will drive safety, efficiency and sustainable practices while building a high-performing team and shaping site procedures.

Ideal candidates will have tertiary qualifications in a related field or equivalent experience, strong business acumen and a proactive approach to problem-solving, with a passion for sustainability and environmental services.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in a related field, or equivalent significant business-related experience in manufacturing, waste or transport.
• Strong business acumen.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Proactive problem-solving approach.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety.
• Proven ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and implement practical solutions.
• Interest in sustainability, recycling, waste management or environmental services.

Responsibilities

• Lead the safe and efficient operation of our organics and depackaging facilities.
• Champion a safety-first culture where everyone goes home safe every day.
• Develop, review and implement site procedures, work instructions and operational standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity and cost performance.
• Investigate incidents and operational issues, identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Monitor and report on key operational KPIs, driving accountability and performance across the site.
• Build a high-performing team through coaching, mentoring and capability development.

Skills

Strong business acumen

Strong communication

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Health and safety commitment

Process improvement

Sustainability interest

Education

Tertiary qualifications in a related field or equivalent experience

Job description

Joinus at Cleanaway and contribute to making a sustainable future possible, together.

We transform waste into resources and renewable energy. When you start to think of waste as a resource, it opens a world of possibilities.

As a high growth, ASX listed organisation with over 10,000 employees, our goal is to be recognised by our customers as the most innovative and sustainable waste management company with industry leading HSE performance. We are Australia’s largest company in this sector, providing essential services to millions of customers and communities nationally.

The Opportunity

We're seeking a confident and driven operational leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys tackling complex challenges head‑on.

An agile problem solver, you are not someone who accepts recurring issues. You're a root‑cause fixer who digs deeper, uncovers the "why," and implements sustainable solutions that improve performance, safety, and efficiency.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading the safe and efficient operation of our organics and depackaging facilities.
• Championing a safety‑first culture where everyone goes home safe every day.
• Developing, reviewing and implementing site procedures, work instructions, and operational standards.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.
• Investigating incidents and operational issues, identifying root causes, and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Monitoring and reporting on key operational KPIs, driving accountability and performance improvement across the site.
• Building a high‑performing team through coaching, mentoring, and capability development.

About You

This is more than a site operations role. It's an opportunity to lead a growing organics recycling and depackaging facility, influence how the business evolves, and leave a lasting impact on safety, culture, operational performance, and sustainability.

Additionally, you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in a related field, or equivalent significant business‑related experience in manufacturing, waste or transport
• Strong business acumen
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• A proactive approach to problem‑solving
• A strong commitment to workplace health and safety
• Proven ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and implement practical solutions
• A strong interest in sustainability, recycling, waste management, or environmental services
• Attractive salary package
• Paid parental leave
• Great company benefits:Annual employee share plan offer, novated leasing, optional flu vaccinations, EAP access, discounts on private health insurance, company discounts + much more!

Our Process

Our recruitment process involves a number of checks including, but not limited to, criminal history, medicals, drug & alcohol testing, as well as verification of qualifications, licences and right‑to‑work status.

We are dedicated to improving employment outcomes and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also welcome candidates of all ages, abilities, gender identities, experiences (including veterans), and cultural backgrounds.

Join us on our exciting journey towards a sustainable future.

Unlock job insights

Hirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicants

Cleanaway is Australia’s leading total waste management, industrial and environmental services company. For more than 50 years we have supported Australian industry, business, government, communities and households – delivering a comprehensive range of solutions that not only offer extraordinary benefits for our customers, but for our communities for generations to come.

An ASX 200 listed company, (ASX: CWY), our team of more than 6,300 highly trained employees are supported by a fleet of over 5,300 specialist vehicles, working from a network of more than 250 locations around Australia.

Our mission is to make a sustainable future possible. To some, waste may seem like an ordinary part of everyday life but we know it has extraordinary potential. We see all waste as a resource, and use our facilities and processes to transform it into valuable commodities for every sector, industry and community.

Cleanaway is Australia’s leading total waste management, industrial and environmental services company. For more than 50 years we have supported Australian industry, business, government, communities and households – delivering a comprehensive range of solutions that not only offer extraordinary benefits for our customers, but for our communities for generations to come.

An ASX 200 listed company, (ASX: CWY), our team of more than 6,300 highly trained employees are supported by a fleet of over 5,300 specialist vehicles, working from a network of more than 250 locations around Australia.

Our mission is to make a sustainable future possible. To some, waste may seem like an ordinary part of everyday life but we know it has extraordinary potential. We see all waste as a resource, and use our facilities and processes to transform it into valuable commodities for every sector, industry and community.

What can I earn as an Operations Manager