Assistant Operations Manager

Assistant Operations Manager

Permanent
Grade C - £35,412 - £41,771
Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Pay Equity Review
Working 36.5 hours per week (shifts between 06:00-16:00)

Atlas Waste Depot, Perry Barr Waste Depot, and Smithfield Depot

Birmingham City Council is investing in the transformation of Waste Logistics & Collections; driving improvements in service quality, operational efficiency, and community satisfaction. To support this evolution, we’re strengthening our on‑the‑ground operational leadership across local depots.

We’re looking for Assistant Operations Managers to help lead the delivery of high‑quality waste collection services for Birmingham’s residents. You’ll play a key role in ensuring our waste and recycling services are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a consistently high standard. You’ll oversee daily operations, support staff development, manage resources, and help create a positive, performance driven culture.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in your city, supporting frontline teams and driving continuous improvement across our service.

• Real leadership experience – you’ve led teams in a busy operational environment and know how to get the best out of people.
• A strong safety mindset
  – with solid experience in compliance, risk management and keeping teams safe every day.
• A data‑driven approach – you use insight and performance information to make smart decisions and deliver better services.
• Clear, confident communication – you motivate, support and get your teams working together with purpose.
• A genuine customer focus – you handle community queries professionally and take pride in delivering a great service for residents.
• Strong problem-solving skills – you stay calm under pressure, think ahead and find practical solutions.
• Excellent planning and organisational abilities – you can juggle multiple tasks, prioritise effectively and keep operations running smoothly.
• Financial awareness
  – with experience managing budgets, controlling costs and making resources work smarter.
• Full UK Driving Licence – with flexibility to travel around the city

• NEBOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification
• Level 3 or 4 Leadership & Management qualification (or strong supervisory experience
• CPC Qualification (Transport Manager)

• Lead the day-to-day operation
  –coordinating staffing and fleet resources so services run efficiently and hit performance targets.
• Keep everything running safely
  –ensuring daily operations meet Council standards and fostering a strong “safety first” culture.
• Be a trusted leader for our Drivers and Loaders
  –supporting them with day‑to‑day issues, welfare needs, and performance.
• Develop your teams
  –carrying out coaching, performance reviews, and development plans that help people grow and succeed.
• Champion positive people management
  –overseeing attendance, wellbeing, and HR compliance with a fair, supportive approach.
• Welcome and train new talent
  –getting new team members up to speed and setting them up for success.
• Own safety on the ground
  –conducting inspections, investigating incidents, and maintaining safe systems of work.
• Ensure compliance
  –monitoring PPE standards and overseeing transport and tachograph regulations.
• Use data to drive improvement
  –spotting trends, developing solutions, and pushing for “right‑first‑time” service delivery.
• Shape the bigger picture
  –preparing reports and sharing insight with managers and key stakeholders.
• Take care of the numbers
  –managing budgets, vehicle‑related costs, and driving value for residents.
• Support sustainability goals
  –helping make our operations cleaner, greener, and more efficient for the future.

You’ll be right at the heart of our city’s frontline operations, keeping services moving, supporting our teams, and making sure Birmingham gets the high‑quality service it deserves.

Every day will bring variety, challenge, and the chance to make a real difference
.