Recycling Centre Site Manager

Essex County Council; Braintree; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking an RCHW Site Manager to oversee the safe operation of recycling centres in Braintree, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. The candidate must have experience in waste management and leadership, alongside a full UK driving licence. This position involves managing site operatives and delivering necessary training. The role includes working weekends and requires mobility throughout the operational area. Competitive salary offered between £29,653 and £34,885 per annum.

Qualifications

• Experience in waste management with operational experience in RCHW services.
• Full UK driving licence required.
• Ability to maintain safety and high standards at all times.

Responsibilities

• Supervise site operatives ensuring a safe working environment.
• Manage personal development and welfare of staff.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies.
• Report any defects or incidents immediately.

Skills

Supervising employees effectively

Good communication skills

Patient manner

Influencing others

Education

Minimum GCSE in English and Maths or suitable experience

CIWM Level 4 Medium Risk Operator Competence

IOSH Managing Safely training

Job description

RCHW Site Manager

Permanent, Full Time

£29,653 up to £34,885 per annum

Location: Braintree

Closing Date:12th February 2026

We are currently recruiting a Recycling Centre Site Manager to join our Waste Service Team.

As Site Manager you will support Area Managers to ensure the recycling centres are operated safely and in accordance with all relevant permits, planning conditions and the ECC policies and procedures.

Please note this role will include working Saturdays and Sundays.

Essex is committed to ensuring it is a place where business can flourish, communities are supported to be more resilient, collective environmental impact is minimised and strong partnerships between the public, private and voluntary sector are secured to drive joint outcomes.

Accountabilities

• To supervise all Site Operatives to ensure the smooth operation of a RCHW, ensuring the working environment is safe and high standards of housekeeping is maintained at all times for members of the public, visitors, staff and contractors.
• Line management responsibility for site operatives including personal development, regular 'check in' welfare meetings and all other aspects of people management.
• Support the Area Manager with resource planning, annual leave requests and return to work interviews following periods of sickness absence.
• Deliver all necessary onsite training, toolbox talks and refresher training as and when required ensuring operatives fully understand and adhere to the content.
• Report any defects or damage to plant, containers, and property, ensuring all accidents or incidents involving employees, site users, visitors or the general public are reported immediately.
• Liaising with transport, ensure capacity is maintained at all times and any disruption to the service is kept to an absolute minimum. All duty of care and other legislative requirements is duly completed.
• Undertake all tasks in accordance with the Council's quality health safety and environmental policies, procedures and management systems in accordance with the environmental permit, working plan, planning conditions, discharge consents and risk assessments at all times.
• Identify and contribute to site maintenance activity, and site improvements, on an on-going basis working with the relevant Area Manager to implement.
• Assist with general site operations including operating plant and equipment where required. Working on a rota including weekend working.
• To deputise for the RCHW Area Manager as and when required.
• The above is a summary of the main tasks and responsibilities of the post, but further tasks and responsibilities may be required to meet the demands and needs of the service.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Minimum GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths or suitable experience.
• CIWM (WAMITAB) Level 4 Medium Risk Operator Competence for Household Waste Recycling Centres.
• IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) Managing Safely - Worksafe training is desirable.
• Experience of supervising employees effectively, able to influence others and develop a strong team culture on site and strong working relationships.
• A patient manner and good communication skills, with experience of dealing with members of the public.
• Previous experience in the waste management industry, with operational experience of managing RCHW services effectively.
• Full UK driving licence

To read more about us please visit: Climate, Environment and Customer Services

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.