Day Shift Team Leader

Viridor; Tilbury; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Viridor in Tilbury, Essex, is hiring a Day Shift Team Leader to oversee operations at the Energy Recovery Facility. The role focuses on safe, efficient plant operation and supervising contractors under the Safe System of Work during peak periods.

Applicants should have heavy industry experience, a strong safety focus, and an engineering qualification (ONC/HNC). The role offers a 40-hour week with a competitive salary and annual bonus potential.

Qualifications

• Engineering qualification (ONC/HNC or equivalent).
• Experience in heavy industrial environments (power generation/ERF).
• Experience supervising in an operational setting.
• Knowledge of Safe Systems of Work, permits and safety management processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead Day Shift Team to ensure safe and efficient plant operation.
• Supervise contractors as SAP and ensure work complies with Safe System of Work.
• Support planned annual plant shutdown activities.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement with cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate routine safety drills and maintain records accurately.
• Investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement improvements.
• Build strong cross-team relationships and conduct site inductions for visitors and contractors.
• Support handover from construction to operations for long-term site success.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Heavy industry

Safety systems

DCS experience

ONC/HNC

Education

ONC/HNC or equivalent

Tools

SAP

DCS

Permits & SWP

Job description

Our new ERF in Tilbury, Essex, is currently under construction and we are looking for a Day Shift Team Leader to join our team.

This is a full-time role working 40 hours per week, initally Monday to Friday.

The salary for this role is competitive, plus participation in an annual bonus scheme, in addition to our great range of benefits.

The closing date for applications is 31st October 2026. We encourage all applicants to apply as soon as possible as we may close vacancies early if we receive a high number of applications.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a major new Energy Recovery Facility from the ground up. Joining during the construction phase, you'll have the chance to support the site's transition into operations and play a key role in preparing the facility for long-term success.

As Viridor assumes operational responsibility for the site in April 2028, you'll help establish safe and effective operational practices, contribute to building a high-performing team, and provide visible leadership as the plant moves from construction and commissioning into full operation.

You'll work closely with experienced engineering, operational and commissioning teams throughout the construction and commissioning phases, gaining valuable knowledge, hands‑on experience and training to support your development ahead of full site operations.

For an experienced operational leader, this is an exciting opportunity to help shape the culture, standards and performance of one of the UK's most significant new ERF projects from day one.

About the Role:

The Day Shift Team Leader will lead a team within the Operations Department and provide day‑to‑day support to the Operations Manager, ensuring the safe and efficient running of the plant during peak operational periods.

Acting as a Senior Authorised Person (SAP), you will supervise contractors carrying out activities on site, ensuring all work is completed safely and in accordance with the site's Safe System of Work. You will also play a key role in supporting planned annual plant shutdown activities.

Working closely with operations, engineering and site management teams, you will help drive operational excellence, promote continuous improvement, and support the achievement of health, safety, environmental and performance objectives.

You will be responsible for coordinating routine emergency, safety and environmental drills and ensuring all associated records and documentation are completed accurately and in a timely manner. As an impartial and logical leader, you will support investigations into accidents and incidents, helping to identify root causes and implement improvements to prevent recurrence.

Building strong working relationships across the site will be essential to ensure effective communication between teams. You will also ensure all visitors and contractors receive appropriate site inductions and understand the site's safety and emergency procedures.

Our Ideal Day Shift Team Leader:

• Experience within power generation, energy recovery, utilities, the Royal Navy, process manufacturing or other heavy industrial environments.
• Knowledge of systems such as high-pressure steam, boilers, electrical generation and emissions control.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to confidently deliver team briefings and toolbox talks.
• Previous supervisory or management experience within an operational environment.
• An engineering qualification, preferably ONC, HNC or equivalent.
• A management or leadership qualification (desirable but not essential).
• Experience working with Safe Systems of Work, permits and safety management processes.
• The ability to build high‑performing teams and promote a positive safety culture.
• Experience working within a DCS-controlled process environment would be advantageous.