Shift Team Leader

Viridor Limited; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Viridor Limited in Exeter is seeking a Shift Team Leader to oversee the safe, efficient operation of the ERF during a 24-hour shift cycle. You will lead a shift team, manage permits to work, and drive KPIs while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

The role requires process or power plant experience, strong HSE knowledge, and familiarity with CMMS. A 24-hour rotating schedule includes nights and weekend shifts, with a salary of £65,363 and bonus eligibility.

Qualifications

• Experience in process or power plant environments.
• Knowledge of Safe Systems of Work and Permits to Work.
• Maintenance management systems familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the shift team to maximise plant availability.
• Maximise waste throughput and energy output while staying safe.
• Manage Safe System of Work and safety documentation.
• Ensure risk assessments are completed and followed.
• Coordinate contractors on site and provide inductions.
• Monitor performance and ensure CMMS records are up to date.
• Lead incident reporting and investigations when required.
• Act as Incident Controller during emergencies.
• Organise shift cover and weekend staffing as needed.
• Support team development and performance reviews.

Skills

Process plant exp

Health & safety

Safe Systems of Work

CMMS knowledge

Strong communication

Team briefings

Education

ONC/HNC or eqv.

IOSH/NEBOSH

Tools

CMMS

Job description

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Our Vision is to be the UK's leading innovator of resource recovery and recycling, transforming waste for a climate-positive future.

Are you someone who lives and breathes high performance, leads with ambition, and would like to be part of an organisation that looks after tomorrow? Viridor has a redefined purpose, a bold Vision, and an ambitious, market-leading strategy. We are investing in the future, and we need a talented team with exceptional people, who believe in each other, to help us achieve this.

Join us, as we rise to the challenge andbuild a world where nothing goes to waste

Viridor is at the forefront of waste management and resource recovery in the UK, operating the largest network of Energy Recovery Facilities (ERFs). We play a crucial role in supporting the UK's climate goals by diverting waste from landfills and transforming it into valuable energy resources.

We have an opportunity in Exeter for a Shift Team Leader to join our team working 40 hours per week, on a rolling 24 hour, 7 day a weekshift pattern, to include nights.

The salary for this role will be £65,363 per year, plus shift allowanceand participation in an annual bonus scheme, in addition to our great range of benefits.

The closing date for applications is 18/10/2026. We encourage all applicants to apply as soon as possible as we may close vacancies early if we receive a high number of applications.

What you’ll be doing:

As Shift Team Leader, you'll be responsible for the safe, efficient and effective operation of the ERF during your shift.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and supervising the shift team, prioritising workloads to maximise plant availability and performance against KPIs.
• Maximising waste throughput and energy output while maintaining safe and compliant operations.
• Acting as Senior Authorised Person (SAP) and managing the site Safe System of Work, including Permits to Work and associated safety documentation.
• Ensuring all activities are undertaken safely and in accordance with health, safety and environmental legislation and site procedures.
• Carrying out and reviewing risk assessments to make sure work is completed safely.
• Coordinating and supervising contractors carrying out activities on site.
• Ensuring visitors and contractors receive appropriate site safety and emergency procedure inductions.
• Monitoring plant performance and ensuring operations remain compliant with the site's EPR environmental permit.
• Ensuring planned preventative maintenance activities are completed on schedule and accurately recorded within the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Identifying, reporting and recording plant defects and ensuring appropriate follow-up action is taken.
• Completing incident reports and supporting or leading investigations where required.
• Acting as Incident Controller during emergency situations and Unit Emergency Plan exercises.
• Routinely testing site emergency, safety and environmental procedures.
• Organising shift cover as required to ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained, including providing weekend shift cover when necessary.
• Supporting team members through regular briefings, performance reviews, personal development plans and return-to-work discussions.
• Encouraging your team to identify opportunities, solve problems and continuously improve plant operations.
• Working closely with the wider management team to continually improve operational, environmental, health and safety performance.
• Responding professionally and promptly to operational issues, concerns or complaints.
• Ensuring required quality standards and operational parameters are consistently achieved.

What we’re looking for:

You'll bring previous experience working within a process or power plant environment, together with the technical knowledge and leadership skills needed to safely manage a busy operational shift.

Essential experience and skills:

• Previous process or power plant experience.
• Good understanding of health, safety and environmental requirements within a process or power generation environment.
• Experience working with Safe Systems of Work, including issuing Permits to Work, safety documentation and associated systems.
• Knowledge of maintenance management systems.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to communicate confidently at all levels, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deliver effective team briefings, participate in detailed shift handovers and produce clear, concise reports.

Qualifications and Experience:

Ideally, you'll also have:

• An engineering qualification such as ONC/HNC or equivalent.
• A recognised health and safety qualification, preferably IOSH or NEBOSH.
• Experience coordinating and supervising shift personnel and contractors.
• Knowledge of environmental permitting/IPPC requirements.
• Experience using Computerised Maintenance Management Systems.
• Senior Authorised Person (SAP) competency covering Mechanical, HV and LV electrical safety.

The Role:

You'll be accountable to the Operations Manager and will have responsibility for Shift Operator Technicians and Auxiliary Plant Operators.

The position operates as part of a 24-hour shift system, so flexibility is essential. There will also be a requirement to provide shift cover at weekends when needed.

Above all, we're looking for someone who puts safety first, enjoys leading people and can combine sound technical judgement with a continuous improvement mindset to help deliver excellent plant performance.

We are a Great Place to Work

There has never been a more exciting time to join Viridor. Following the acquisition of the business by the global private equity firm, KKR, the core business has been reshaped to focus on our leading UK Energy from Waste portfolio.

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.