Operations Support Manager

Vivid Resourcing Ltd; Braintree; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority is seeking an experienced Interim Operations Manager to enhance performance and service development. This role involves managing teams, statutory returns, and partnerships, with a focus on continuous improvement and compliance. Ideal candidates will have significant management experience and relevant qualifications, along with strong communication skills. The position is full-time on a temporary basis, with a contract lasting up to 6 months.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience managing teams and driving effective performance.
• Proven experience in a business management environment.
• Knowledge of local government and operational challenges.

Responsibilities

• Support the Strategy & Business Development Manager in delivering operational services.
• Lead and develop Supervisors and Officers through regular meetings.
• Manage statutory returns including Environment Agency and Defra.
• Oversee maintenance and safety of service assets and facilities.
• Build and maintain partnerships, representing the service externally.
• Contribute to the commercial portfolio and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with procurement, governance, and safety procedures.

Skills

Managing teams and driving effective performance

Strong communication and presentation skills

Relationship-building and people-management skills

Education

HNC/HND (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline

Job description

Interim Operations Manager - Local Authority

We're supporting a council seeking an experienced interim professional to help drive performance, service development and commercial growth across Operations.

• £30.22 Umbrella
• Full-Time, Temporary
• 37 Hours per Week
• 6 Months Contract
• Closing Date: Monday 8th December 2025
• Interviews: Week Commencing 15th December 2025
• Start Date: Week Commencing 22nd December 2025

The Role

• Support the Strategy & Business Development Manager in delivering high-quality, customer-focused operational services.
• Lead and develop Supervisors and Officers through regular team meetings, 1:1s and performance-focused management.
• Manage statutory returns including Environment Agency, Defra (Waste Data Flow) and Recycling Credits.
• Oversee the maintenance and safety of service assets, facilities and infrastructure, including annual H&S inspections and ad-hoc site checks.
• Build and maintain partnerships, representing the service at external meetings, trade events and conferences.
• Contribute to the development and performance of the commercial portfolio, driving continuous improvement and value for money.
• Ensure all activity complies with council procurement, governance, financial and health & safety procedures.

About You

• Substantial experience managing teams and driving effective performance.
• HNC/HND (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.
• Proven experience in a business management environment.
• Knowledge of local government and the operational challenges it faces.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, confident engaging at all levels.
• Able to respond effectively to complex issues.
• Excellent relationship-building and people-management skills across diverse functions.
• Experience in waste services or cemeteries (desirable).

If you're an adaptable, collaborative leader with a track record of driving operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.