Operations Manager

Biffa; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Biffa is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee depot operations in Newcastle upon Tyne. The successful candidate will ensure efficient management of services, maintain KPI performance, and develop team members while adhering to health and safety standards. A rewarding opportunity within a leading waste management company.

Benefits

Ongoing career development

Qualifications

• Experience as Traffic Manager or in services/logistics.
• Proven track record on service delivery KPIs.
• Experience with route planning software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day depot operations ensuring customer service.
• Lead and motivate the traffic dispatcher team.
• Ensure health and safety compliance and manage underperformance.

Skills

Leadership

Health and safety management

Cost control

Route planning

People management

Job description

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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 shared by our 11,500+ people across the country, who trust us to provide rewarding, challenging, but never dull careers. That’s why we’re the UK’s No. 1 choice for business waste management.

Help us make a difference as an Operations Manager.

A quick look at the role.

You will manage the day-to-day operations of the Depot efficiently and effectively, ensuring first-class customer service against business KPIs. This role works alongside the Transport Manager to support operational, safety, and service performance.

Why it’s an opportunity not to be wasted.

• Provide leadership, give work instructions, and monitor the performance of the traffic dispatcher team.
• Review Depot KPIs—Service, Safety, and Profitability.
• Manage daily shift operations, including driver supervision and vehicle availability, working closely with fleet management.
• Manage, motivate, train, and develop team members.
• Address underperformance and implement disciplinary procedures as needed.
• Handle absence management and conduct return-to-work interviews.
• Plan for new work mobilization and tactical re-routes, managing seasonal challenges like bank holidays and Christmas holidays to optimize resources and routes.
• Ensure routing and service issues are addressed daily, maintaining responsibility for customer service. Conduct customer visits when necessary.
• Contribute to cost control by seeking efficiency improvements, reducing operating costs, increasing margins, and meeting budget targets.
• Ensure health and safety compliance, including inductions, operating procedures, near-miss reporting, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain good relationships with internal and external customers.
• Deputize for the Depot Manager and perform other tasks as required.

Here’s what we require:

Experience

• Experience as Traffic Manager or similar role in services or logistics industries.
• People and health & safety management in a unionized environment.
• Proven track record of meeting service delivery KPIs.
• Successful resource management and cost control experience.
• Experience with route planning software such as Route Monkey, DPS (LogiX), etc.

Technical Knowledge

• Local geographical knowledge.
• Good transport and logistics knowledge.
• Understanding of environmental, health, and safety legislation.
• Knowledge of working within a time-critical service environment.

And here’s why you’ll love it at Biffa.

• Ongoing career development, training, and coaching—because if you don’t grow, we don’t grow.