Operations Manager - Plastics Recycling

WasteRecruit Ltd; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualifications

• At least 2 years' experience in an Operational Manager or similar leadership position in recycling, waste management, plastics recycling or manufacturing.
• Proven experience leading teams of 20+ employees.
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.
• Good working knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the day‑to‑day operation of the warehouse, recycling plant and production facility.
• Lead, motivate and manage a team of approximately 20-25 warehouse and production employees.
• Plan daily workloads and ensure production targets, operational KPIs and customer requirements are achieved.
• Maintain high standards of Health & Safety, ensuring compliance with UK legislation and company procedures.
• Carry out risk assessments, accident investigations, safety inspections and toolbox talks.
• Maintain Health & Safety documentation and ensure safe working practices across the site.
• Support recruitment, including interviewing, selection and onboarding of staff.
• Manage attendance, performance, holidays and disciplinary matters where required.
• Ensure compliance with Environment Agency regulations and environmental legislation.
• Liaise with transport providers, suppliers and customers to ensure smooth operations.
• Identify operational issues quickly and implement practical solutions to maintain site performance.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication

HSE knowledge

Operational planning

Data-driven improvements

Problem solving

IT literacy

Education

IOSH Managing Safely

NEBOSH General Certificate

Tools

MS Office

Operations reporting systems

Job description

We are currently looking for an experienced Operational Manager to take overall responsibility for the day-to-day performance of a busy plastics recycling and production facility.

This is a hands‑on leadership role, managing a team of approximately 20-25 warehouse and production employees and ensuring the site operates safely, efficiently and in full compliance with UK Health & Safety and environmental legislation.

You will oversee the warehouse, recycling plant and production operation, taking responsibility for production performance, people management, health and safety, environmental compliance, stock control, maintenance coordination and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced operational leader from a recycling, waste management, plastics recycling or manufacturing environment, with the confidence and practical approach required to lead from the front in a fast‑paced facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the day‑to‑day operation of the warehouse, recycling plant and production facility.
• Lead, motivate and manage a team of approximately 20-25 warehouse and production employees.
• Plan daily workloads and ensure production targets, operational KPIs and customer requirements are achieved.
• Maintain high standards of Health & Safety, ensuring compliance with UK legislation and company procedures.
• Carry out and review risk assessments, accident investigations, safety inspections and toolbox talks.
• Maintain accurate Health & Safety documentation and ensure safe working practices are embedded throughout the site.
• Support recruitment, including interviewing, selection and onboarding of warehouse and production staff.
• Manage attendance, performance, holidays and disciplinary matters where required.
• Ensure compliance with Environment Agency regulations, environmental legislation and site permit conditions.
• Liaise with transport providers, suppliers and customers to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations.
• Identify operational issues quickly and implement practical solutions to maintain site performance.Take ownership of the overall operational performance of the facility and support the wider business wherever required.

About You

You will be a confident and experienced operational leader who enjoys working in a hands‑on environment and getting the best from people.

To be successful, you will have:

• At least 2 years' experience in an Operational Manager or similar leadership position within recycling, waste management, plastics recycling or manufacturing.
• Proven experience managing and motivating teams of 20+ employees.
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.
• A good working knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation and environmental compliance.
• Experience managing recruitment, induction, attendance, performance and employee development.
• A strong understanding of warehouse operations, production planning and operational performance.
• Experience working with KPIs and using data to drive improvements.
• A practical, problem‑solving approach with the ability to respond effectively to operational challenges.
• The ability to work in a fast‑paced production environment while maintaining high standards of safety, quality and efficiency.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH General Certificate.
• Previous experience specifically within plastics recycling.
• Experience of Lean Manufacturing, Lean principles or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of recycling processes, production equipment and material handling operations.

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operational professional to take ownership of a busy plastics recycling facility and play a key role in its continued development.

You will have the opportunity to lead a sizeable operational team, improve site performance, develop people and processes, and make a tangible impact on safety, productivity, efficiency and profitability.

If you are an experienced Operational Manager with a background in recycling, waste, plastics or manufacturing and are looking for a role where you can genuinely make a difference, we would like to hear from you.