Operations Director

Newbury, Berkshire
Planet Recruitment

Our prestigous client are the leading processor and recycler of WEEE waste in the UK, and through the expertise of their people and the investment in technology we promote and deliver a sustainable solution for the recycling of WEEE. Established for over 35 years, they have major contracts with local authorities, utility companies and businesses alike.

As a result of continuous business growth, they are looking to expand their team and recruit an Operations Director. This is an exciting opportunity to take the next step in the career and join a well- established and successful team.

Hours: Monday to Friday – 07:00am to 17:00pm, Saturday – 07:00am to 12:00pm. (Flexible/ Site Operational Hours)

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide overall strategic leadership for all recycling and waste processing sites.

• Take full accountability for operational, financial, safety, and environmental performance.
• Lead and develop the senior management team, including Supervisors, Managers and Maintenance teams, to achieve company goals.
• Monitoring Incoming and Outgoing load, Processing lines recycling levels, compile statistics and producing reports.
• Manage company infrastructure, transfer stations and processing machines.
• Champion Health & Safety:

• • Set policy and expectations for a safety-first culture.
  • Ensure consistent implementation of H&S procedures across all sites.
  • Review and approve risk assessments, safe systems of work, and training plans.

• Oversee all people management across sites:

• • Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of staff.
  • Set clear expectations for performance and conduct.
  • Lead on any senior-level performance or disciplinary issues.

• Monitor and control budgets:

• • Oversee site Profit & Loss, cost centres, and operational expenditure.
  • Authorise spending on equipment, parts, and site maintenance.
  • Drive cost savings without compromising safety or quality.

• Ensure robust scheduling and resource planning:

• • Oversee weekly staff schedules and allocation.
  • Ensure all yards are appropriately staffed for demand, including holiday/absence cover.

• Be the escalation point of contact for any significant operational issues, customer concerns, or site emergencies.
• Ensure effective maintenance management:

• • Oversee planned and reactive maintenance of plant, vehicles, and site infrastructure.
  • Ensure asset registers and maintenance records are kept up to date.

• Promote operational excellence:

• • Standardise processes and procedures across all sites.
  • Share best practices and drive continuous improvement.
  • Reduce downtime, bottlenecks, and rework.

• Ensure environmental compliance:

• • Maintain permits, records, and duty-of-care documentation.
  • Ensure staff understand and follow correct waste handling and segregation.

• Produce clear, accurate operational and financial reports for the Managing Director and Finance Department.
• Foster a high-performance culture built on teamwork, accountability, safety, and customer service.

Requirements

• WAMITAB Level 4 Qualified and hold a CPC Managers Qualification
• Significant experience at GM/Operations Director level in waste management, recycling, logistics, or heavy industry.
• Demonstrable management and leadership of multi-site operations with large teams.
• Strong commercial and financial management experience, including budget ownership.
• Expert knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and best practice (NEBOSH or IOSH preferred).
• Ability to analyse data and produce accurate reports.
• Solid understanding of environmental regulations in the waste industry.
• Proven track record of change management, process improvement, and delivering results.
• Excellent IT proficiency – MS Office, SAP, Power BI.
• Ability to work in fast paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with senior management, staff, and regulators.
• 360 excavator license, HGV license, forklift license (Desirable).
• Full UK driving licence with willingness to travel regularly between sites.

Benefits

• Competitive salary (Based on Experience)
• Company Commercial vehicle
• No shift work
• On-site parking
• Pension scheme

To find out more, please call Adam on (phone number removed)

INDENG

Planet Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. Planet Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Planet Recruitment. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explains how we will use your information.

Only candidates with the relevant skills and experience will be contacted after application, if you do not hear back from us within 7 days you have unfortunately been unsuccessful in your application.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the position.