Operations Manager

Biffa Waste Services; Littlehampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee daily contract operations while ensuring high levels of customer service. In this pivotal role, you will lead teams to meet KPIs, innovate service improvements, and manage transport compliance. Your expertise in managing high-pressure environments and strong interpersonal skills will be key to building relationships with clients and stakeholders. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to transforming waste management and making a positive impact on the environment. This role offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions will be valued and rewarded.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to meet KPIs in high-pressure environments.
• Strong leadership skills in multi-shift operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams to meet contractual service requirements and drive efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and company policies.

Skills

KPI Management

Interpersonal Skills

Communication

Time Management

Health and Safety Compliance

Transport Management

Job description

A quick look at the role

The Operations Manager will be reporting directly to the Senior Business Manager and will be responsible for managing the overall efficient and effective delivery of the Contract’s daily operations. Ensuring exceptionally high levels of customer service are maintained at all times, whilst delivering on the Contract’s KPIs, including health & safety, transport management and compliance.

Your core responsibilities

• Operational Excellence: Lead supervisors and teams to meet all contractual service requirements, continuously reviewing operations to drive efficiency and enhance performance.
• Service Innovation & Development: Collaborate with the Senior Business Manager to design and implement innovative service improvements that benefit the client, the council, and potential external customers, supporting the financial growth of the contract.
• Safety, Compliance & Governance: Ensure full adherence to company policies, procedures, and legal obligations across all staff, maintaining effective and compliant records and systems.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. Attend meetings, provide timely reports, and ensure prompt completion of follow-up actions.
• Transport Management: Fulfil Transport Manager duties, delivering a high level of fleet compliance in line with industry standards and internal guidance.
• Financial & Resource Management: Support budget achievement by monitoring overtime, staffing levels, and revenues. Minimise reliance on agency staff and hired vehicles through proactive workforce and absence management.
• Leadership Support: Act as deputy for the Senior Business Manager when required, ensuring continuity of leadership and contract delivery.

Our essential requirements

• Demonstrated success in meeting and exceeding clearly defined KPIs within high-pressure, time-critical environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven experience managing teams and promoting health and safety in multi-shift, industrial or processing operations.
• Clear and confident communicator with the ability to plan strategically and work effectively across teams.
• Solid understanding of time-sensitive process operations and a continuous improvement mindset within service-led environments.
• Experience in vehicle management including CPC, tachograph use, and Road Transport Directive compliance.
• Organisation & Time Management: Excellent planning and prioritisation skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines efficiently.

Biffa – we’re changing the way people think about waste

At Biffa, we love working with waste. Whether we’re turning it into sustainable power, finding new ways to recycle it or simply keeping it off the streets, we believe every day is an opportunity to improve the lives of millions. It’s a view that’s shared by our 11,000+ people around the country, who trust us to provide them with a career that’s always rewarding, often challenging, but never dull.

We believe different ideas, perspective and backgrounds are key to developing a creative and effective working environment which is why you’ll find us championing diversity and equality at every turn.