Recycling Centre Operations Manager

Overview

Recycling Centre Operations Manager

Permanent, Full Time (37 hours per week)

Salary: £47,753 to £56,179 per annum

Location:

Chelmsford, England, Essex

Closing Date: 4th February 2026 (23:59)

This role reports to the Head of Service and is responsible for the operational management of 21 Recycling Centres for Household Waste (RCHW) operating 7 days per week throughout the county.

Working style:
Anywhere worker. The role requires mobility throughout an operational area, with a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet mobility requirements through other means.

• Leadership and people management:
  Line Manager of the 4 Area Managers, and accountable for clear and robust leadership of all RCHW staff to ensure direction, motivation and maximised productivity. Create and reinforce a strong, responsive and flexible culture, role modelling behaviours to deliver customer-focused services. Drive change to meet customer expectations and continuously seek innovative ways of working.
• Operational management:
  Manage a "safe service" across all council RCHWs in compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and other statutory requirements and ECC H&S policies. Ensure waste activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner and compliant with all relevant waste legislation. Maintain service resilience during peak periods, adverse weather, weekends and Bank Holidays.
• Financial management:
  Responsible for the financial management of the RCHW service ensuring financial resilience and full accountability for all related spend. Maintain strong financial controls due to the large budget and spend on residual waste.
• Change management:
  Lead and deliver complex operational change and improvement programmes alongside business-as-usual service delivery. Maintain maintenance, repair and infrastructure planning for all 21 RCHWs within yearly budget constraints and develop a maintenance schedule for future work.

• Educated to RQF level 6 (Bachelor’s) or equivalent by experience, with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional areas, ideally with a Certificate of Technical Competence - CIWM (WAMITAB) Level 4 High Risk Operator Competence for Managing Transfer of Hazardous Waste in accordance with The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.
• Significant experience of managing health and safety in an operational waste management environment to IOSH and/or NEBOSH standard.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and Membership of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of working in waste management, ideally within both the public and private sectors, delivering waste-related operational services with a focus on customer service and value for money.
• Excellent communication skills in all media, with a persuasive, enthusiastic and encouraging manner and the ability to develop and maintain constructive professional relationships.

Please note that the role requires mobility across an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet mobility requirements through other means.

To read more about us please visit:
Climate, Environment and Customer Services

What you should do next:
If you are interested in this role, please apply via the Working for Essex website.

Apply for Recycling Centre Operations Manager

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements. We are committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We also offer flexible working arrangements and support for unpaid carers. We value integrity and ethical behaviour; please embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan Principles during the recruitment process.

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This role expires 03/02/2026.