Waste Supervisor

LARAC; West Alvington; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

South Devon Council is seeking a Waste Supervisor to lead frontline waste collection teams at Ivybridge and Torr Quarry Depots. You will ensure safe, efficient service delivery and regulatory compliance while guiding operatives and agency staff to meet performance targets.

The role requires strong leadership, safety focus, and excellent communication. You will manage daily work programmes, support continuous improvement, and provide training and toolbox talks.

Qualifications

• Experience in waste management or operational services.
• Recent line management or supervisory experience.
• Full UK driving licence and health & safety qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead frontline waste collection operations daily.
• Plan and allocate work programmes and resources.
• Supervise staff, conduct briefs and appraisals.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Respond to customer enquiries and manage performance.
• Promote continuous improvement in waste services.

Skills

Waste management

Line management

Health & safety

Leadership

IT skills

Driving licence

IOSH Managing Safely

HGV Class 2

Stakeholder liaison

Local authority knowledge

Tools

Whitespace system

Job description

Can you help Lead an Essential Frontline Service

Looking for a Leadership Role Where You Can Make a Real Difference?

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Waste Supervisor to join our Waste and Recycling Team based at Ivybridge and Torr Quarry Depots.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead frontline operational teams delivering essential waste and recycling services across our local communities. You'll play a key role in ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and to the high standards our residents expect.

As a Waste Supervisor, you'll be responsible for managing frontline crews, supporting operational performance, promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring our waste and recycling services continue to deliver for our communities every day.

Why Join Us?

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Permanent, secure employment
• Leadership role with real responsibility and influence
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Supportive management team
• Work locally and serve your community
• Be part of an organisation committed to environmental sustainability and excellent public services

Work-Life Balance

We understand that the best people perform at their best when they have a healthy balance between work and home life.

This role offers the stability and security of local authority employment, with the opportunity to work close to home while leading a service that directly benefits local communities.

Unlike many operational management roles in the private sector, you'll enjoy the benefits of working within a public service organisation that values wellbeing, teamwork and long-term career development.

About the Role

You’ll lead the day-to-day delivery of frontline waste collection operations, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and in compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing and supporting frontline operatives and agency staff.
• Conducting daily briefings, debriefings, one-to-ones and appraisals.
• Planning and allocating daily work programmes and resources.
• Monitoring service performance and addressing operational issues.
• Carrying out supervisory visits and maintaining accurate operational records.
• Ensuring staff are trained, equipped and working safely.
• Investigating incidents, near misses and safety concerns.
• Delivering toolbox talks and refresher training.
• Responding to customer enquiries, complaints and councillor requests.
• Supporting continuous improvement across waste and recycling operations.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience within the waste management, collection or operational services sector.
• Previous line management or supervisory experience.
• Good understanding of health and safety legislation and safe working practices.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with staff, customers and stakeholders.
• Full UK Manual Driving Licence.
• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
• Experience within a waste collection environment.
• Knowledge of Whitespace or similar operational management systems.
• Understanding of local authority services.
• HGV Class 2 Licence.

What Success Looks Like

You’ll be a visible leader who enjoys motivating teams, solving problems and delivering excellent customer service. You’ll take pride in leading a safe, efficient operation and helping to ensure that residents receive a reliable waste and recycling service every day.

If you’re looking for a rewarding supervisory role with real purpose, where you can lead people, improve services and make a positive impact in your local community, we’d love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Simon Bruford, Head of Waste Services on [e-mail] or 01803 861533.

Closing Date: Sunday 15 November 2026

Interviews are expected to be held: Monday 23 November 2026