Operations Supervisor - Waste Management

Smith's Gloucester Limited; Parkend; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is seeking a Site Operations Supervisor to oversee waste facility activities near Moreton Valence. You will supervise staff and contractors, ensure safe, compliant operations, and work with the site manager to optimise daily performance.

The role covers health and safety, quality control, plant checks, documentation, training, and cross-team communication. Strong leadership and a proactive approach to improvement are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in working in waste operations.
• Ability to supervise staff and contractors.
• Knowledge of health and safety rules and PPE usage.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Willingness to work outdoors and on-site across shifts.

Responsibilities

• Supervise day-to-day site activities to ensure safe, efficient operations.
• Allocate labour, plant and resources to meet workloads.
• Ensure site open, staffed and operational per shift plans.
• Enforce health and safety rules and environmental controls.
• Lead by example in professional behaviour and punctuality.
• Maintain accurate site diaries and inspection logs.
• Mentor staff and monitor competency sign-offs.
• Communicate operational priorities to management and teams.

Skills

Site supervision

Health & safety

Team leadership

Quality control

Communication

Education

Certificate of Technical Competence (COTC)

WAMITAB Level 4 Transfer/Treatment Non-Hazardous

IOSH Managing Safely (preferred)

Job description

This position would suit someone who has experience in working in waste operations. Our Moreton Valence materials recycling facility is a busy operation spanning over 30 acres just off of the A38. We are looking for someone to assist with depot responsibilities working directly for the site manager and supervising site operations including staff, production, health and safety and plant.

1. Site Operations & Daily Control

• Supervise day-to-day site activities to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations
• Allocate labour, plant, and resources to meet operational outputs and workloads
• Ensure work areas, plant, and stockpiles are managed to maintain flow and minimise downtime
• Monitor incoming and outgoing materials to maintain quality and productivity
• Ensure the site is open, staffed, and operational in line with scheduled hours and shift plans

2. Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Enforce all site Health & Safety rules, safe systems of work, and environmental controls
• Ensure all staff and visitors wear appropriate PPE and follow site rules at all times
• Identify hazards, unsafe behaviours, and near misses, taking immediate corrective action
• Complete and support site inspections, toolbox talks, and safety briefings
• Ensure all incidents, near misses, and environmental issues are reported promptly and accurately

3. Team Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise operatives, drivers, and contractors on site
• Set clear daily tasks and expectations for the team and monitor completion
• Address attendance, timekeeping, conduct, and performance issues promptly
• Carry out return-to-work discussions following absence when required
• Lead by example through professional behaviour, punctuality, and adherence to site standards

4. Quality Control (Inbound & Outbound)

• Ensure all incoming loads are checked for contamination and compliance
• Prevent unacceptable or non-conforming material from entering site processes
• Ensure outbound materials meet customer specifications and quality requirements
• Support correct segregation and management of stockpiles to prevent cross-contamination
• Escalate quality issues promptly to management when required

5. Plant, Equipment & Infrastructure

• Ensure pre-use checks are completed for all plant, vehicles, and equipment
• Report defects, breakdowns, or damage immediately and follow escalation procedures
• Monitor condition and housekeeping of traffic routes, walkways, and operational areas
• Ensure plant and equipment are used correctly and stored safely when not in use

6. Documentation, Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate records including site diaries, inspection logs, and shift reports
• Ensure damage, incidents, and quality issues are documented with sufficient detail and photos
• Assist with audits, inspections, and compliance monitoring
• Communicate key operational issues to management clearly and promptly

7. Training, Competency & Development

• Ensure staff only operate plant and equipment they are trained and authorised to use
• Support and monitor staff training requirements and competency sign-offs
• Mentor less experienced staff and promote safe, efficient working practices
• Contribute to maintaining an up-to-date training and skills matrix

8. Communication & Coordination

• Act as the point of contact between site staff and management during shifts
• Liaise with transport, maintenance, contractors, and visitors as required
• Communicate operational priorities, safety messages, and changes clearly to the team
• Escalate issues that cannot be resolved at supervisory level in a timely manner

The role would suit an individual who enjoys working outdoors, an excellent communicator, who is adaptable and enthusiastic with a strong commitment to continuous improvement and the ability to embrace change. This is not solely an office-based position, as you will be required to be out on site as well.

• To hold a Certificate of Technical Competence (COTC) or to be working towards being the Technical Competent Manager (TCM). WAMITAB Level 4 Transfer/Treatment Non-Hazardous. Preferred but not essential.
• To maintain an up-to-date operational knowledge of waste recycling best practice.
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification preferred but not essential.
• Training will be provided for the right candidate subject to successfully completing the relevant probationary period.

Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is a family run business owned and run by the Smith family since 1982. Smiths has grown from a single owner-operated plant hire company to a multifaceted group with family values still firmly at the heart of each project undertaken. With depots in Avonmouth, Cardiff, Gloucester, Stonehouse and Tewkesbury we operate predominately across the South-West of England. We specialise in Construction, Waste Management, Plant Hire, Demolition and Transport operations.