Operations Manager

South Hams District Council; Ivybridge; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Career development

Work-life balance

Job summary

South Hams District Council in Ivybridge is seeking an Operations Manager to lead frontline waste and recycling operations at Ivybridge and Torr Quarry depots. You will provide visible leadership, ensure operations run safely and efficiently, and drive service improvements across the waste and recycling service.

The role requires strong people leadership, planning and problem‑solving skills, and a driving licence.

Qualifications

• Experience leading frontline operational teams.
• Strong leadership, accountability and people development.
• Knowledge of waste management, logistics, fleet or similar services.
• Solid understanding of health and safety and regulatory compliance.
• Experience handling employee relations and organisational change.
• Excellent communication, planning and problem-solving abilities.
• A full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead frontline waste and recycling operations at Ivybridge and Torr Quarry depots.
• Provide visible leadership across the depot and service to ensure safe, efficient operations.
• Drive continuous improvement and long-term performance improvements.
• Develop and manage operational supervisors and frontline crews.

Skills

Experience managing frontline teams

Leadership

Waste management knowledge

Health and safety knowledge

Employee relations & change

Communication and planning

UK driving licence

Job description

Operations Manager

Location: Ivybridge and Torr Quarry, Kingsbridge

Lead a Service That Matters

Every day, our teams deliver essential waste, recycling and environmental services to thousands of residents and businesses across one of the UK's most beautiful districts. Behind every collection is a dedicated operational workforce, modern fleet and leadership team committed to delivering safe, reliable and customer-focused services.

We're looking for an exceptional Operations Manager to lead frontline waste and recycling operations at our Ivybridge and Torr Quarry depots.

This is more than a traditional management role. It is an opportunity to lead people, improve performance, drive operational excellence and make a visible difference to local communities and the environment. You'll have responsibility for operational supervisors and frontline crews, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and consistently while helping shape the future of our Waste and Recycling Service.

What You'll Be Doing

As an Operations Manager, you'll provide visible leadership across the depot and wider service, ensuring operations run smoothly day-to-day while identifying opportunities for long-term improvement.

Please see the attached role profile for a list of duties and responsibilities.

We're looking for a confident operational leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys leading teams through challenge and change. The successful candidate will have:

Experience managing frontline operational teams.

Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and hold teams accountable.

Knowledge of waste management, logistics, transport, fleet, street scene or similar operational services.

A sound understanding of health and safety management and operational compliance.

Experience of managing employee relations issues and delivering organisational change.

Excellent communication, planning and problem-solving abilities.

A full UK driving licence.

This is an opportunity to:

Lead a service that has a direct impact on residents every day.

Work within a supportive and forward-thinking management team.

Influence service improvements and operational innovation.

Develop your career within a progressive local authority.

Play a key role in environmental sustainability and community outcomes.

If you're an experienced operational leader who can develop people, improve performance and deliver excellent frontline services, we'd love to hear from you.

We know great people have choices. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career development and work-life balance.

For an informal discussion please contact Simon Bruford, Head of Waste Services on [e-mail] or 01803 861533

Interviews are expected to be held on: Monday 7 December

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Company Details

Company: South Hams District Council

Salary: £41,177 to £45,529 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Ivybridge, PL21 9ES

Working pattern: On-site

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 29 Oct 2026

Closing date: 28 Nov 2026

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.