Job Description:

Job Title: Head of Operations (Hazardous Waste Sector)
Location: Hartlebury (On-site)
Salary: £70,000 – £75,000+ DOE (Negotiable)
Benefits: Company car or car allowance + full benefits package
Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week

About the Role

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Operations to join a leading waste management and environmental services business. This is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing all operational activities within a regulated waste transfer station environment.

What’s in it for you

Senior leadership role within a growing organisation

Highly competitive salary (£70K–£75K+ DOE, negotiable)

Company car or car allowance

Pension scheme (3% employer / 5% employee contribution, flexible options)

Private Medical Insurance (BUPA) including comprehensive cover

Optional family cover (employee-funded)

Free Dental Cover (Level 1)

Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 support + counselling sessions)

Shopping discounts platform

Free mortgage advice service

Strong career influence within strategic operations and business growth

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Lead the Operations function in line with company growth and business plans
• Develop and implement operational strategy for waste collection, transfer, and delivery
• Ensure efficient, cost-effective, and compliant site operations
• Set and drive KPIs aligned with business performance and improvement targets

Compliance, Safety & Environmental Standards

• Ensure full compliance with environmental permits, legislation, and industry best practice
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, quality, and environmental performance
• Promote recycling and diversion of waste from landfill
• Oversee adherence to legal and regulatory requirements across all operations

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage Warehouse and Laboratory & Reception Team Leaders
• Lead, motivate, and support teams to achieve operational objectives
• Ensure training and development plans are in place and delivered
• Foster a positive, structured, and high-performance working environment

Operational Efficiency & Improvement

• Oversee routing of waste to disposal and recovery facilities in a cost-effective manner
• Support sourcing and development of UK and European disposal outlets
• Identify and implement process improvements and operational efficiencies
• Ensure adequate resourcing and planning across all operational areas
• Resolve operational issues and implement sustainable solutions

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare and present management reports
• Ensure clear communication across operational and leadership teams
• Maintain an open and collaborative management approach

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide out-of-hours emergency support when required
• Undertake any additional duties appropriate to senior management level

Requirements

Essential

• Strong background in hazardous waste, chemistry, or regulated environmental operations
• Strong understanding of environmental compliance and permit regulations
• Experience driving KPIs and operational performance

Desirable

• Experience within waste management or environmental services sector
• Exposure to European waste disposal networks