Operations Manager

West Devon Borough Council; Okehampton; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

West Devon Borough Council is seeking an exceptional Operations Manager to lead frontline waste and recycling operations at our Hayedown depot in Okehampton, EX20 1UD. This permanent, full-time role offers the chance to drive operational excellence, lead supervisors and crews, and deliver safe, efficient services that matter to residents and businesses.

You will oversee day-to-day operations, guide performance improvements, and shape the future of our Waste and Recycling Service.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Frontline operations management

Leadership and people management

Health and safety knowledge

Communications and problem solving

UK driving licence

Job description

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.

Operations Manager

Company: West Devon Borough Council

Salary: £41,177 to £45,529 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Okehampton, EX20 1UD

Working pattern: On-site

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 29 Oct 2026

Closing date: 28 Nov 2026

Summary

Location: Hayedown, Okehampton

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 Hayedown depot.

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 will 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.

Essential requirements

• 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.

Opportunities

• 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.

Interviews are expected to be held on: Monday 7 December

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