Operations Manager

Panda Recycling UK; Leeds; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Panda Recycling UK is seeking an Operations Manager to lead waste logistics and fleet operations in Leeds and Quarrington with regional travel. You will oversee a large articulated fleet, subcontractors, and compliance obligations, driving safety, service levels and cost control.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong budgeting discipline and a track record of improving productivity and profitability within a regulated transport environment. A full UK driving licence is preferred.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a large-scale logistics or transport operation.
• Experience managing articulated vehicle fleets in a regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of Operator Licence obligations and transport compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day logistics and transport operations across Leeds and Quarrington.
• Plan drivers, vehicles and subcontracted resources against operational demand.
• Maintain compliance with Operator Licence undertakings, DVSA requirements, drivers’ hours and tachograph rules.
• Manage fleet assets including articulated vehicles and trailers.
• Maximise vehicle availability and utilisation through planning with fleet teams.
• Monitor service delivery, fuel performance and transport costs.

Skills

Fleet management

Logistics leadership

Budgeting & P&L

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

UK driving licence

Job description

Operations Manager – Waste Logistics & Fleet Operations

Reporting to: Regional General Manager

Location: Leeds and Quarrington – regional travel required

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead our regional waste logistics and fleet operations across Leeds and Quarrington.

You will take responsibility for the safe, compliant and efficient operation of a large articulated fleet, using both company-owned vehicles and subcontracted hauliers to meet customer demand.

The operation includes multiple operating centres, more than 100 employees and drivers, and a substantial fleet of artic units, walking-floor trailers and associated transport assets.

This is a hands‑on leadership role with significant responsibility for transport compliance, health and safety, service performance and cost control. You will ensure the operation meets its Operator Licence obligations while improving fleet utilisation, productivity and financial performance.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead day‑to‑day logistics and transport operations across Leeds and Quarrington
• Plan drivers, vehicles and subcontracted resources against operational and customer demand
• Maintain full compliance with Operator Licence undertakings, DVSA requirements, drivers’ hours, Working Time Regulations and tachograph legislation
• Manage articulated vehicles, walking‑floor trailers and associated transport assets
• Maximise vehicle availability and utilisation through effective planning and close coordination with fleet and workshop teams
• Monitor service delivery, fuel performance, telematics, driver standards and transport costs
• Manage a network of approved subcontracted hauliers, ensuring they meet all legal, insurance, waste carrier, safety and compliance requirements
• Review subcontractor performance, spend and service levels while maintaining suitable contingency arrangements
• Lead transport, vehicle and safety incident investigations, ensuring corrective actions are completed
• Maintain fleet inspection, maintenance and compliance schedules
• Lead internal and external audits across transport, safety and environmental compliance
• Conduct site inspections, operational audits and behavioural safety observations
• Ensure appropriate risk assessments, safe systems of work and operating procedures are in place
• Lead and develop a large operational team, creating clear accountability for safety, service and performance
• Manage operational budgets covering labour, fuel, subcontractors, fleet and maintenance
• Identify opportunities to reduce cost, improve productivity and strengthen profitability
• Support contract mobilisation, customer retention and wider business growth

What We’re Looking For

You will need:

• Proven experience leading a large‑scale logistics or transport operation
• Experience managing articulated vehicle fleets in a regulated environment
• Strong knowledge of Operator Licence obligations and transport compliance
• Responsibility for operational budgets, cost control and P&L performance
• A track record of improving safety, compliance, service and productivity
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder‑management skills
• A practical, hands‑on approach supported by sound commercial judgement
• A full UK driving licence
• An IOSH Managing Safely qualification would be advantageous

How Success Will Be Measured

• Health and safety performance
• Operator Licence and fleet compliance
• Vehicle availability and utilisation
• Resource planning and service delivery
• Driver engagement and retention
• Subcontractor performance and compliance
• Fuel efficiency and transport cost control
• Audit outcomes and corrective‑action completion
• Budget and EBITDA performance
• Customer and stakeholder satisfaction

We are Panda. We value waste.

Join us and lead a complex regional logistics operation where safety, compliance and commercial performance carry equal weight.

About Us

We are Panda. We value waste.

We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste.

Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values.

While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve.

At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together.

We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost‑effective solutions that move our business forward.

We own what we do. From day‑to‑day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make.

And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing.

Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact.

Take the first step and join us on the journey.

Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.