Site Manager - Waste Transfer Station

TD Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

TD Recruitment is seeking an experienced Site Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of a busy Waste Transfer Station in Hailsham, ensuring safe, compliant processing of waste streams and efficient site performance.

You will lead a hands-on team of operatives, drive recycling and environmental initiatives, and maintain high standards of health, safety and regulatory compliance on a busy site in the UK. This role requires practical leadership and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a team in a waste management or related environment.
• Solid understanding of health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Strong operational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the Waste Transfer Station.
• Lead, motivate and manage a team of site operatives.
• Ensure waste is received, sorted, processed and stored correctly.
• Maximise recycling and recovery opportunities while minimising waste sent for disposal.
• Monitor site productivity and operational performance.
• Ensure activities comply with legislation, permits and procedures.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, housekeeping and environmental compliance.
• Coordinate with third-party tipping vehicles, contractors and visitors.
• Identify and resolve operational issues promptly.
• Support staff training and performance development.

Skills

Team leadership

Waste management

Health & safety

Operations management

Regulatory compliance

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Site Manager - Waste Transfer Station

Our client is looking for an experienced and motivated Site Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of a busy Waste Transfer Station in Hailsham.

This is a hands‑on management position, ideal for someone who can lead from the front, manage a team effectively, and take responsibility for the safe, efficient and compliant running of the site.

The Role

As Site Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the waste transfer station and a team of operatives handling a variety of waste streams, including:

• Skip waste
• Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) containers
• Third-party tipping vehicles
• Recyclable and general waste streams

You will play a key role in ensuring waste is handled and processed efficiently, recycling performance is maximised, and the site consistently operates in line with health & safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the Waste Transfer Station.
• Lead, motivate and manage a team of site operatives.
• Ensure waste is received, sorted, processed and stored correctly.
• Maximise recycling and recovery opportunities while minimising waste sent for disposal.
• Monitor site productivity and operational performance.
• Ensure all site activities comply with relevant legislation, environmental permits and company procedures.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, housekeeping and environmental compliance.
• Manage third-party tipping vehicles, contractors and site visitors.
• Identify and resolve operational issues quickly and effectively.
• Carry out site inspections and ensure any issues are addressed promptly.
• Support staff training, development and performance management.
• Work closely with senior management to achieve operational and commercial targets.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience managing a busy Waste Transfer Station, recycling facility or similar waste management environment.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the waste and recycling industry.
• Proven experience leading, motivating and managing a team.
• A hands‑on approach to site management and the ability to lead by example.
• Good understanding of health & safety and environmental legislation.
• Experience working within environmental permit requirements.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a busy operational environment.
• Confident decision‑maker with a proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• Good IT and administrative skills.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is practical, organised and commercially aware, with the confidence to take ownership of a busy site.

You should be comfortable working in a hands‑on operational environment, managing people, dealing with customers and third parties, and ensuring that safety, compliance and productivity remain at the highest possible standards.