Regional Waste Logistics & Fleet Leader

Beauparc; Leeds; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Panda is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead regional waste logistics and fleet operations across Leeds and Quarrington.

You will oversee a large articulated fleet, a multi-site operation, and a team of 100+ staff to meet customer demand.

This hands-on role focuses on transport compliance, health and safety, service performance and cost control, ensuring Operator Licence obligations are met while improving fleet utilisation and profitability.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a large-scale logistics or transport operation.
• Experience managing articulated vehicle fleets in a regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of Operator Licence obligations and transport compliance.
• Multi-site operational management experience.
• Experience managing subcontracted haulage providers.
• Responsibility for operational budgets, cost control and P&L performance.
• A track record of improving safety, compliance, service and productivity.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• A practical, hands-on approach supported by sound commercial judgement.
• National Transport Manager CPC qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day logistics and transport operations across Leeds and Quarrington.
• Plan drivers, vehicles and subcontracted resources against operational and customer demand.
• Maintain full compliance with Operator Licence undertakings, DVSA requirements, drivers’ hours, Working Time Regulations and tachograph legislation.
• Manage articulated vehicles, walking-floor trailers and associated transport assets.
• Maximise vehicle availability and utilisation through effective planning and close coordination with fleet and workshop teams.
• Monitor service delivery, fuel performance, telematics, driver standards and transport costs.
• Manage a network of approved subcontracted hauliers, ensuring they meet all legal, insurance, waste carrier, safety and compliance requirements.
• Review subcontractor performance, spend and service levels while maintaining suitable contingency arrangements.
• Lead transport, vehicle and safety incident investigations, ensuring corrective actions are completed.
• Maintain fleet inspection, maintenance and compliance schedules.
• Lead internal and external audits across transport, safety and environmental compliance.
• Conduct site inspections, operational audits and behavioural safety observations.
• Ensure appropriate risk assessments, safe systems of work and operating procedures are in place.
• Lead and develop a large operational team, creating clear accountability for safety, service and performance.
• Manage operational budgets covering labour, fuel, subcontractors, fleet and maintenance.
• Identify opportunities to reduce cost, improve productivity and strengthen profitability.
• Support contract mobilisation, customer retention and wider business growth.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Transport compliance

Driver management

UK driving licence

Education

National Transport Manager CPC qualification

Job description

Panda is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead regional waste logistics and fleet operations across Leeds and Quarrington.

You will oversee a large articulated fleet, a multi-site operation, and a team of 100+ staff to meet customer demand.

This hands-on role focuses on transport compliance, health and safety, service performance and cost control, ensuring Operator Licence obligations are met while improving fleet utilisation and profitability.