Agricultural Recycling Manager

Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire
Thames Water Utilities Limited

Job title: Agricultural Recycling Manager Ref 40970
Division: Asset Operations & Capital Delivery
Location: Hybrid – Bishops Stortford (STW)
Contract type: Permanent
Full/Part-time: Full-time
Hours: 36 Hours per week
Salary: Offering between £35,000 to £44,000 per annum depending on experience and skills.
Job grade: B
Closing date: 23/05/2025

Thames Water Bio-Recycling is the largest recycler of biosolids in the UK, recycling over 750,000t of biosolids annually. We are seeking a new manager to join our team based in the North, managing biosolids recycling in Essex.

The primary purpose of this role is to manage the safe and efficient recycling of sewage sludge (Biosolids) to agriculture within a specific geographical area. This role offers the opportunity to build relationships with customers, landowners, agronomists, agents, and rural communities. It involves stakeholder management, liaising with environmental health officers, the Environment Agency, and local communities, and coordinating with the wider recycling team to optimize operations. The manager will oversee site and contractor health and safety, and monitor agricultural operations performance.

What you’ll be doing as an Agricultural Recycling Manager

• Managing and developing a dispersed technical team to meet performance targets.
• Ensuring a safe working environment, adhering to HR policies, and managing health and safety protocols.
• Coaching, training, and mentoring team members.
• Overseeing the safe and efficient recycling of sewage sludge to agricultural clients.
• Building and maintaining relationships with farmers, landowners, and rural stakeholders to promote the beneficial use of sewage sludge as a fertiliser replacement.
• Liaising with environmental authorities to minimize environmental and public impact.
• Coordinating within the recycling team to manage operations, contracts, and improve financial performance.
• Monitoring contractor health and safety performance in agricultural operations.
• Source land for biosolids recycling, maintaining a land bank.
• Managing the sales process, including advice, pricing, land suitability, soil sampling, risk assessments, and permit management.
• Adapting to business changes within your area.
• Developing procedures to enhance performance and compliance.
• Ensuring all operations meet regulatory requirements and maintain statutory compliance.
• Strategic planning for workflow management and financial control.
• Staying updated on qualifications, policies, and health and safety standards.

This is a field-based role covering the Essex area, with 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday. A driver’s license is required as a work van will be provided.

What you should bring to the role

• An agricultural background with knowledge of rural practices; sales experience in biosolid management is preferred.
• Confidence in communicating with farmers, agronomists, and contractors.
• Organizational skills, flexibility, and self-management abilities.
• Knowledge of current agricultural legislation and initiatives, such as the Nitrates Directive and Cross-Compliance.
• FACTS or BASIS training is advantageous.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £35,000 to £44,000 per annum.
• 26 days holiday, increasing to 30 with service, plus bank holidays.
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12%, with 2x employee contribution).
• Annual personal medical assessments.
• Access to a benefits hub with offers and wellbeing support.

Join Thames Water, the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, committed to building a sustainable future. We offer career growth, flexible working, and comprehensive benefits. We value diversity and inclusion, supporting applicants from all backgrounds. Support roles include opportunities to engage with customers and communities, with full training provided. Apply early as the vacancy may close before the deadline due to high interest.