Shift Team Leader

Viridor: Clyde Valley; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Viridor is recruiting for a Shift Team Leader at our Tilbury ERF in Essex. This full-time role is 40 hours per week, initially Monday to Friday, then shifting to a pattern as the plant becomes operational.

You will lead the Shift Team, supervise day-to-day operations, and drive improvements while maintaining safety and environmental standards across construction-to-operations phases. This is a pivotal role as the site moves into full operation.

Qualifications

• Supervisory or managerial experience in an operational environment.
• Engineering qualification (ONC, HNC or equivalent).
• Safety qualification (IOSH or NEBOSH).
• Experience in power generation, energy recovery or heavy industry.
• Knowledge of high-pressure steam boilers and emissions control.
• Experience with Safe Systems of Work, permits and safety management processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Shift Team and supervise day-to-day plant operations.
• Drive continuous improvement and reduce health, safety and environmental impacts.
• Plan, implement and monitor systems to maximise plant performance.
• Coordinate routine emergency, safety and environmental drills.
• Lead investigations into accidents and incidents to identify root causes.
• Coordinate site inductions for visitors and contractors.

Skills

Leadership

Safety management

Engineering qualification

IOSH/NEBOSH

Power generation experience

Communication

DCS experience

Education

ONC/HNC or equivalent

Job description

Shift Team Leader

Location: Tllbury Docks, Essex, GB

Our new ERF in Tilbury, Essex, is currently under construction and we are looking for 5 Shift Team Leaders to join our team. This is a full-time role working 40 hours per week, initally Monday to Friday, but moving to a shift pattern when the plant becomes operational.

The salary for this role is competitive, plus participation in an annual bonus scheme, in addition to our great range of benefits.

The closing date for applications is 31st October 2026. We encourage all applicants to apply as soon as possible as we may close vacancies early if we receive a high number of applications.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a major new Energy Recovery Facility from the ground up. Joining during the construction phase, you'll have the chance to support the site's transition into operations and play a key role in preparing the facility for long‑term success.

As Viridor assumes operational responsibility for the site in April 2028, you'll help establish safe and effective operational practices, contribute to building a high‑performing team, and provide visible leadership as the plant moves from construction and commissioning into full operation.

You’ll work closely with experienced engineering, operational and commissioning teams throughout the construction and commissioning phases, gaining valuable knowledge, hands‑on experience and training to support your development ahead of full site operations.

For an experienced operational leader, this is an exciting opportunity to help shape the culture, standards and performance of one of the UK's most significant new ERF projects from day one.

About The Role

As our Shift Team Leader, you will lead the Shift Team and supervise the day‑to‑day operation of the plant, driving continuous improvement, reducing health, safety and environmental impacts, and maximising process throughput and energy export.

As a Senior Authorised Person (SAP), operating in accordance with the site's Safe System of Work, you will also supervise contractors carrying out activities on site and ensure all work is completed safely and effectively.

Working closely with the management and engineering teams, you will plan, implement and monitor systems and processes to maximise plant performance while maintaining the highest standards of health, safety and environmental compliance.

You will be responsible for coordinating routine emergency, safety and environmental drills, ensuring all relevant records and documentation are completed accurately and in a timely manner. As an impartial and logical leader, you will support investigations into accidents and incidents, helping to identify root causes and implement improvements to prevent recurrence.

Building strong working relationships across the site will be essential to ensure effective communication between teams. You will also ensure that all visitors and contractors receive appropriate site inductions and understand the site's safety and emergency procedures.

Our Ideal Shift Team Leader Will Have

• Previous supervisory or management experience within an operational environment.
• An engineering qualification, preferably ONC, HNC or equivalent.
• A safety qualification, preferably IOSH or NEBOSH.
• A management or leadership qualification (desirable but not essential).
• Experience within power generation, energy recovery, utilities, the Royal Navy, process manufacturing or other heavy industrial environments.
• Knowledge of systems such as high‑pressure steam, boilers, electrical generation and emissions control.
• The ability to deliver effective team briefings and communicate confidently with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience working with Safe Systems of Work, permits and safety management processes.
• The ability to lead teams, promote a positive safety culture and drive operational excellence.
• Experience working within a DCS‑controlled process environment would be advantageous.

What We Can Offer You

We invest in our people to reward them for their hard work, and we have a host of company benefits available to you when you join - take a look at our Rewards and Benefits

As an equal opportunities' employer, Viridor is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.