Plant Manager

Veolia; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental services company in the UK is seeking a dedicated professional to implement safety systems and support compliance within their integrated waste management facility. Candidates should have experience in the waste treatment industry, possess an IOSH certificate, and have strong management skills. The role offers a competitive salary, generous benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to a pension scheme

Discounts on groceries and retailers

24-hour access to a virtual GP

One paid day leave to volunteer

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Sound knowledge of relevant environmental / QHSE / PAS 100 legislative governance.
• Sound understanding of weighbridge operations / controls.
• Experience working with third‑party haulage companies.

Responsibilities

• Implementation of all safety systems.
• Support the senior facilities manager with HR processes.
• Ongoing monitoring of recycling targets and adherence to budgets.

Skills

CMS or COTC of at least one of transfer (haz), treatment (MRF/bio/general)

Line management experience

Experience of working within the waste treatment industry

Knowledge of operating efficiency management controls

Presentation skills

Education

Minimum IOSH certificate

Job description

Ready to find the right role for you?

Salary: Competitive + 15% annual bonus + Veolia benefits

Grade: 5.1

Hours: 40 hours per week Monday to Friday

Location: Padworth Lane, Lower Padworth, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4JF

The position is based at Padworth IWMF (integrated waste management facility) and operates within a close, motivated, and effective team. The senior management team is also based at the Padworth main office, including the Senior Facilities Manager / Contract Manager and General Manager.

The office is a high‑standard, high‑specification building with full welfare facilities and a pleasant open‑plan feel. The role will have a separate office that is shared by the site environmental manager.

What we can offer you

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Access to our company/people’s pension scheme
• Discounts on everything from groceries to well‑known retailers
• Access to a range of resources to support your physical, mental and financial health
• 24‑hour access to a virtual GP, 365 days a year, for you and family members in your household
• One paid day leave every year to volunteer and support your community
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

What you’ll be doing

• Implementation of all safety systems
• Developing continuous improvement ideas for recommendation to the management team
• Understanding of the facility budgets and being a key deliverer of the operational KPIs that feed into these
• Ongoing monitoring of and adherence to recycling targets and input budgets
• Generate high‑quality end product to maximise material sales revenue while minimising residue disposal costs
• Preparation and submission of Veolia KPI data / Quality logs / Operations data / Availability logs / end‑of‑month reporting / Waste returns / COTC Log / Veolia minimum requirements (VRM) etc.
• Support the senior facilities manager to operate all systems to support compliance with Veolia and legislative QHSE requirements, including detailed planning and permitting requirements, ISO certifications, PAS100 and best practice guidance for waste facilities
• Support in overseeing operations teams and provide the key point of operational contact for the maintenance team, ensuring support of delivery of PPM schedules / breakdowns and production targets
• Support in overseeing all training requirements for the operations team at Padworth
• Support the senior facilities manager in control of HR processes to ensure Padworth staffing levels are as required for an effective and efficient operation
• Support the senior facilities manager in delivery of day‑to‑day HR requirements including adherence to absence and performance policies, and encouraging development and training of the site operations team
• Support the senior facilities manager in working with central Veolia teams to optimise material sales prices and product quality, and ensure best practice is shared

What we’re looking for

Essential

• CMS or COTC of at least one of transfer (haz), treatment (MRF/bio/general)
• Minimum IOSH certificate
• Line management experience
• Experience of working within the waste treatment industry – MRF / IVC or WTS
• Sound knowledge of relevant environmental / QHSE / PAS 100 legislative governance
• Knowledge of operating efficiency management controls and working to KPIs
• Sound understanding of weighbridge operations / controls
• Experience working with third‑party haulage companies

Desirable

• Project management experience
• Client engagement experience
• Budget awareness
• Conflict management experience
• Negotiation and influencing skills
• Presentation skills

What’s next?

Apply today, so we can make a difference for generations to come.

We’re proud to have been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for three consecutive years in 2023, 2024 and 2025. This consistent recognition reflects our commitment to our people, demonstrating that Veolia is not just transforming the environment – we’re also transforming what it means to have a rewarding, purposeful career.

We’re dedicated to supporting you throughout your application journey, offering adjustments where reasonable and appropriate. As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long‑term condition who opt‑in to the Disability Confident scheme, and meet the minimum criteria for our roles.

We’re also committed to ensuring that all applicants and colleagues receive fair treatment without discrimination on any grounds, aiming to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.