Regional Plant Manager - Anaerobic Digestion

ENGIE; Leeds; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured development opportunities

Learning resources access

Wellbeing and work-life balance

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

ENGIE UK is seeking a Regional Plant Manager for an on-site leadership role at an anaerobic digestion facility in Sherburn, Elmet. You will oversee commissioning to full biomethane production, build and lead a small operations team, and ensure safe, compliant, and efficient plant performance.

The role requires extensive experience in process operations, safety leadership, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement, with readiness to travel during early training phases.

Qualifications

• Significant operational leadership experience in anaerobic digestion, renewable energy, waste management or similar process environments.
• Proven ability to lead site-based teams and drive performance outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience managing site budgets, KPIs, and operating metrics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day plant operations, maximizing biomethane production, efficiency, and reliability.
• Lead health, safety, and environmental management on site.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a five-person operations/maintenance team.
• Deliver site production and financial targets with full P&L accountability.
• Manage feedstock intake, digestate logistics, and compliance reporting.
• Act as primary contact for regulators, local authorities, and stakeholders.
• Drive improvement projects and support transition from construction to operations.

Skills

Operational leadership

Regulatory compliance

Budgeting & KPIs

Stakeholder management

SCADA awareness

Full UK driving licence

Education

IOSH Managing Safely

WAMITAB / engineering or process qualification

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Regional Plant Manager - Anaerobic Digestion Job Description Regional Plant Manager - Anaerobic Digestion Posting Start Date: 11/6/26 Requisition ID: 74439

General information

Leeds, United Kingdom, LS25 6FW ENGIE RENEWABLE GASES UK LIMITED Operation / Production Renewable Permanent Full - Time

ENGIE is accelerating the energy transition, and renewable gas is at the heart of that ambition. We are building a cleaner energy future, and we need experienced leaders to bring it to life. This is your opportunity to shape a brand-new anaerobic digestion plant from the ground up and lead it to full operational success.

As Plant Manager, you will be the senior leader on site from day one. You will guide the facility through commissioning and into full biomethane production, targeted for Spring 2027. Your leadership will drive performance, protect people, and deliver real impact for the energy transition.

Summary of what you will do

• Oversee all day-to-day plant operations, maximising biomethane production, efficiency, and reliability.
• Lead site health, safety, and environmental management, ensuring a safe environment for all employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a team of five operators and maintenance engineers, building a strong culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Deliver site production and financial targets, including full accountability for site profit and loss.
• Manage feedstock intake, digestate logistics, and all associated compliance records and waste reporting.
• Act as the primary contact for regulators, local authorities, network operators, and community stakeholders.
• Drive plant improvement projects and support the safe transition from construction through to full operational status.

What you will bring to the role

• Significant operational leadership experience in anaerobic digestion, renewable energy, waste management, or a comparable process environment.
• Proven ability to lead and develop site-based operational teams and drive measurable performance outcomes.
• Strong working knowledge of health, safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience managing site budgets, KPIs, and operational performance metrics.
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance strategies, asset management, and plant control systems such as SCADA.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage regulators, partners, and local communities.
• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent qualification; WAMITAB or a relevant engineering or process qualification is an advantage. A full UK driving licence is required.

Location and work pattern

This role will be based at our site in Sherburn, Elmet (LS25 6FW).

A period of training will be required at a sister site in the South West (approx. timescale for this is two to three months, depending on experience).

During this initial training period, you will spend three days per week at a sister site in Devon/Somerset, with an additional day allocated for travel and one day working at the Halstow Energy site in Sherburn-in-Elmet, Leeds. This will involve staying away for three nights each week. Hotel accommodation and train fares or mileage costs will be covered.

Following training, the anticipated working pattern is Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, with one week of on-call cover and one weekend of working per month, with days off during the week to reflect weekend working.

Greater flexibility will be required during the first six months of operations, reflecting the start-up phase of the plant.

The rota is currently being developed and remains subject to change.

What We Offer

• A career-defining role at the forefront of the UK's renewable gas sector, with genuine scope to grow within ENGIE's international network.
• A diverse and stimulating position spanning operations, leadership, compliance, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment, where your contribution is visible and valued from day one.
• Structured development opportunities, performance reviews, and access to ENGIE's wider learning resources.
• A friendly, people-first workplace culture that takes wellbeing and work-life balance seriously.
• Competitive salary and benefits package in line with the seniority and scope of the role.

Our Commitment

At ENGIE, every talent has a role to play in accelerating the energy transition. Make a difference and enjoy a fulfilling professional experience. Take on exciting challenges and build a career path that reflects who you are. Join us and be part of the adventure of the century.

ENGIE is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We believe that diversity of perspective makes us stronger and more innovative as an organisation.

Company Name: ENGIE UK Minimum Base Salary: Maximum Base Salary: Pay Basis: Annual

Why this matters to us

Our organisation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We offer reasonable accommodations upon request for individuals with disabilities.