Operations Manager

Viridor Limited; Croydon; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

Viridor Limited in Croydon is recruiting for an Operations Manager to lead the site’s day-to-day operations, ensuring safe, compliant and high-performing performance across teams. The role reports to the Plant Manager and involves driving continuous improvements with a focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The role requires extensive people management experience, strong communication and leadership, and a full UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• Extensive people management experience within a large operational department or region.
• Experience implementing and embedding corporate management systems.
• Strong knowledge of the waste, energy recovery or related industries.
• Proven track record of leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• ONC/HNC/HND qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant technical discipline.
• A full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the facility and ensure operational excellence.
• Lead Shift Team Leaders and operational teams to deliver safe, compliant and high-performing operations.
• Report to the Plant Manager and work with site leadership on safety and improvements.
• Champion a safety-first culture and drive employee engagement.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Skills

People management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Leadership

Team development

Safety culture

Education

ONC/HNC/HND

Job description

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Our Vision is to be the UK’s leading innovator of resource recovery and recycling, transforming waste for a climate-positive future.

Are you someone who lives and breathes high performance, leads with ambition, and would like to be part of an organisation that looks after tomorrow? Viridor has a redefined purpose, a bold Vision, and an ambitious, market-leading strategy. We are investing in the future, and we need a talented team with exceptional people, who believe in each other, to help us achieve this.

Join us, as we rise to the challenge and build a world where nothing goes to waste

Viridor is at the forefront of waste management and resource recovery in the UK, operating the largest network of Energy Recovery Facilities (ERFs). We play a crucial role in supporting the UK's climate goals by diverting waste from landfills and transforming it into valuable energy resources.

We have an opportunity in Croydon for a Operations Manager to join our team working 37.5 hours per week , Monday to Friday.

The salary for this role will be circa £80,000 per year, plus participation in an annual bonus scheme, in addition to our great range of benefits.

The closing date for applications is 7th August 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.

As Operations Manager, you'll be at the heart of delivering this mission. Reporting to the Plant Manager, you'll provide visible leadership across the site, leading Shift Team Leaders and operational teams to deliver safe, compliant and high-performing operations. Working closely with the site leadership team, including the Safety & Compliance Manager and Engineering Manager, you'll champion a safety-first culture, drive employee engagement and continuously seek opportunities to improve performance.

This is a role for someone who enjoys making a difference on the ground. You'll oversee the day-to-day operation of the facility, ensuring operational excellence, monitoring key performance indicators and identifying improvements that enhance efficiency, reliability and cost-effectiveness. You'll play a key role in developing and motivating your team, creating an environment where people can thrive and perform at their best.

What we're looking for

Our ideal Operations Manager will have:

• Extensive people management experience within a large operational department or region at a senior level.
• Practical experience of implementing and embedding corporate management systems.
• Strong knowledge of the waste, energy recovery or related industries.
• A proven track record of leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• ONC/HNC/HND qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant technical discipline.
• A full UK driving licence.

Knowledge of Energy Recovery Facilities, power generation or similar industrial operations would be highly advantageous, although we welcome applications from candidates with transferable experience from related sectors

We are a Great Place to Work

There has never been a more exciting time to join Viridor. Following the acquisition of the business by the global private equity firm, KKR, the core business has been reshaped to focus on our leading UK Energy from Waste portfolio.

As an equal opportunities' employer, Viridor is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.