Operational Supervisor/Shift coordinator

ao.com; Telford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in recycling as an Operational Supervisor, where you will lead a passionate team at our Telford plant. In this role, you will ensure safe and efficient operations while fostering team development and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Enjoy competitive benefits while making a positive impact on sustainability.

Benefits

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

5% pension contribution matched by company

Discounted gym membership

Enhanced Family leave

Paid charity days

Free Food Thursday

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years team supervision experience in an operational setting.
• Must have ILM Level 2 or 3 (or equivalent) and willingness to grow.
• Hands-on leader with strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 5-7 on an automated production line.
• Run daily shift briefings and monitor KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement across safety, efficiency, and quality.

Skills

Team supervision

Communication

Problem-Solving

Continuous Improvement

Education

ILM Level 2 or Level 3 or equivalent

English and Maths qualifications (GCSE or equivalent)

Job description

As an Operational Supervisor at AO Recycling, you’ll be at the heart of our cutting-edge plastics plant in Telford—driving performance, motivating your team, and keeping our processes running smoothly. We're part of the dynamic AO Group, where energy, innovation, and sustainability go hand-in-hand. This is your chance to lead by example and help turn waste into something remarkable.

At AO’s Plastics Recycling Plant, we’re all about turning big ideas into top-quality products. Our secret? A passionate team that takes real pride in running a safe, clean, efficient operation—where safety, sustainability, quality, and performance go hand in hand. We don’t just meet standards—we set them.

Here's What You Can Expect To Be Doing

• Lead a team of 5-7 on an automated production line, ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient operations
• Run daily shift briefings, monitor KPIs, and ensure safety and quality standards are always met
• Coach, mentor, and develop your team—fostering a culture built on trust, respect, and collaboration
• Handle team performance, training, absence management, and first-line disciplinaries
• Capture production data using dedicated software and provide key updates in operational meetings
• Drive continuous improvement across safety, efficiency, quality, and morale
• Take part in audits, investigations, problem-solving sessions, and 5S housekeeping
• Manage resources and materials to maximise output and keep production on track

A Few Things About You

• Proven team supervision experience (minimum 2 years for Supervisor, 3 years for Shift Coordinator), ideally in an operational environment
• ILM Level 2 (Supervisor) or Level 3 (Shift Coordinator), or equivalent—plus a willingness to grow with AO-supported qualifications
• A hands-on leader who values team interaction and isn’t afraid to pitch in (FLT training provided if needed)
• Background in processing, manufacturing, or a similar fast-paced setting
• Strong communicator with the confidence to lead and support others
• Clear thinker with solid problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions
• Self-starter who thrives independently or as part of a team
• English and Maths qualifications (GCSE or equivalent)
• Continuous improvement knowledge or training is a definite plus

Our benefits are designed to cover the moments that matter to AOers. From health and wellness to giving back - you’ll be rewarded inside and outside of work.

• Holidays; 25 days, plus bank holidays (increasing to 27 days after 2 years with us!)
• Pension; Contribute 5% of your annual salary and we'll do the same, giving you a little extra support for the future.
• Be a VIP at the AO Arena; we have loads of opportunities to win free tickets and pre-sale access!
• Health & wellbeing; discounted gym membership, and our Help @ Hand scheme giving you access to virtual GP’s, Mental Health support and much more.
• Discounts; exclusive discounts across our product range.
• Family leave; Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption leave.
• Making a difference; 2 fully paid days a year to donate your time to any charity of your choice.
• Free Food Thursday - Last Thursday of every month, lunch is on us as a way of saying thank you for your efforts!

To see all our benefits and perks, visit our AO Benefits page.