Plant Manager

Veolia; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental services company in Reading is seeking an Operations Manager to implement safety systems and ensure compliance with legislative QHSE requirements. The role requires experience in the waste treatment industry, with leadership capabilities to support and oversee operations teams. Applicants should have an IOSH certificate and strong management skills. This position offers competitive salary plus benefits, fostering a rewarding career in environmental management.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to pension scheme

Discounts on groceries and retailers

24/7 access to a virtual GP

Paid volunteer day every year

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• CMS or COTC of at least one of transfer (haz), treatment (MRF/bio/general).
• Experience of working within the waste treatment industry - MRF / IVC or WTS.
• Sound knowledge of relevant environmental / QHSE / PAS 100 legislative governance.

Responsibilities

• Implement all safety systems in place.
• Monitor recycling targets and operational KPIs.
• Prepare and submit Veolia KPI data and Quality logs.

Skills

Leadership

Environmental Knowledge

Budget Management

Health and Safety Compliance

Negotiation 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) working in 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; so you can lean on us whenever you need to
• 24 hour access to a virtual GP, 365 days a year, for you and family members in your household
• One paid days leave every year to volunteer and support your community
• Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential

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 this.
• Ongoing monitoring of and adherence to recycling targets and input budgets.
• Generate high quality end product to maximise material sales revenue, whilst 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 the overseeing operations teams, and provide the key point of operational contact for the maintenance team, ensuring support of the 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 all day to day HR requirements including adherence to absence and performance policies, as well as 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.