Head of Operations

Veolia Environmental Services (Uk) Plc; Stanlow Point; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental services provider seeks an experienced Operations Manager for a hazardous waste facility. Responsibilities include leading operational activities, managing a £30 million budget, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Candidates should have supervisory experience in the hazardous waste industry and strong project management skills. Benefits include access to a pension scheme, discounts, and ongoing training opportunities.

Benefits

Company pension scheme

Discounts on groceries and retailers

24-hour access to a virtual GP

One paid day leave for volunteering

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Over 5 years of supervisory experience in process or hazardous waste industries.
• Proven COMAH experience and knowledge of Major Accident Hazard scenarios.
• Strong project management experience including turnaround planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage operational activities at the facility with a £30 million budget.
• Manage operational budget, including payroll and productivity.
• Drive operational efficiencies and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Health and Safety compliance

Operational planning

Team development

Education

Degree or HND/HNC in engineering or technical discipline

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all operational activities at the hazardous waste processing facility, delivering an operational plan with an incineration revenue budget of approximately £30 million per annum while ensuring health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Manage the complete operational budget including payroll, chemicals, utilities, and productivity, with responsibility for approximately £3 million P&L and focus on cost reduction targets and operational efficiencies.
• Provide technical expertise and governance on COMAH regulations, Major Accident Hazard scenarios, and regulatory compliance including IPPC and IRR17, ensuring all mitigation measures are effective and supporting preparation of the site's COMAH Safety Report.
• Lead the 7‑day, monthly, and annual production planning process in collaboration with Commercial, Compliance, Maintenance, and Engineering teams, chairing daily Operations Review meetings and ensuring adherence to weekly production plans above 90%.
• Recruit, develop, and manage operational teams (3 direct reports, 52 indirect reports), ensuring staff competency through training and succession planning, conducting performance management, and promoting a coaching culture with focus on teamwork, diversity, and inclusion.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement by leading operational/technical projects up to £1 million, implementing new technologies and efficient working practices, and acting as a subject matter expert on the incineration process while maintaining knowledge of industry best practices.

Qualifications

• Degree or HND/HNC in a relevant engineering or technical discipline, with over 5 years of supervisory experience in the process or hazardous waste industries.
• Proven COMAH experience with practical knowledge of Major Accident Hazard scenarios, mitigation controls, and general QHSE legislation and standards (HASAWA, H&S Regulations, ISO standards).
• Strong project management experience including turnaround planning and execution, with ability to lead operational/technical projects and participate in Hazard Studies.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing and measuring work with ability to clearly assign responsibility, set clear objectives and measures, monitor progress and results, and design feedback loops with a keen focus on delivery.
• Excellent leadership capabilities with proven ability to exceed goals, drive results consistently, and promote a high‑performance culture while managing budgets, analysing productivity data, and optimising staffing and production capacity.

Benefits

• Access to our company pension scheme.
• Discounts on everything from groceries to well‑known retailers.
• Access to a range of resources to support your physical, mental and financial health; so you can lean on us whenever you need to.
• 24‑hour access to a virtual GP, 365 days a year, for you and family members in your household.
• One paid day leave every year to volunteer and support your community.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long‑term condition who opt‑in to the Disability Confident scheme, and meet the minimum criteria for our roles. We are committed to ensuring all applicants and colleagues receive fair treatment without discrimination on any grounds, and aim to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Apply today, so we can make a difference for generations to come.