Director of Waste & Recycling Operations

Ciwmjobs; Kettering; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciwmjobs is seeking an ambitious Operations Director to lead the day-to-day performance of a growing UK waste and recycling business in the Midlands region. You will drive fleet operations, route optimisation, and compliance while shaping board-level governance and growth strategy.

The role requires 5–10+ years in operational leadership within waste/ recycling, strong P&L skills, and hands-on leadership from yard to board. A competitive salary and bonus are offered.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of relevant operational leadership experience.
• COTC / WAMITAB, Transport Manager CPC and NEBOSH.
• Proven experience managing collections, fleet and disposal routes.
• Strong P&L, route profitability, margin and supplier negotiation skills.
• A hands-on, visible leadership style with credibility from the yard to the Board.

Responsibilities

• Operations & Fleet: Lead collections, route optimisation, driver scheduling, fleet utilisation and transport compliance.
• Tipping & Offtake: Manage MRF, EfW and processor relationships, gate fees, contracts and disposal economics.
• Compliance: Own EA, Duty of Care, WTN, H&S, Fire Prevention and permit compliance.
• EBITDA & Cost Control: Improve route profitability, margins and fleet efficiency while controlling overheads.
• Customers: Support the commercial team in winning and retaining high-volume industrial accounts.

Skills

Operational leadership

P&L management

Route profitability

Supplier negotiation

Hands-on leadership

Education

COTC / WAMITAB

Transport Manager CPC

NEBOSH

Job description

Ciwmjobs is seeking an ambitious Operations Director to lead the day-to-day performance of a growing UK waste and recycling business in the Midlands region. You will drive fleet operations, route optimisation, and compliance while shaping board-level governance and growth strategy.

The role requires 5–10+ years in operational leadership within waste/ recycling, strong P&L skills, and hands-on leadership from yard to board. A competitive salary and bonus are offered.