Shift Team Leader, Riverside

Cory is one of the UK’s leading waste management and recycling companies.

We are currently recruiting for the position of Shift Team Leader at our Energy from Waste Facility in Belvedere Kent.

Using waste that would otherwise have gone to landfill as fuel to generate electricity, the facility generates roughly 575,000 MWh of electricity each year from processing about 800,000 tonnes of waste. The company uses the River Thames as a green highway to move waste from London on tugs and barges, effectively reducing 100,000 truck movements a year off roads. By generating electricity from residual waste, the plant improves resource efficiency, avoids landfill use, and contributes to London’s circular economy.

The Shift Team Leader is responsible for the effective management of shift operations at the Energy from Waste facility, ensuring the plant runs safely and efficiently during all operational states, including steady state, start‑up, shutdown, and emergencies. The role demands strict adherence to Health, Safety, Environmental, and Operational procedures, with a focus on maintaining compliance with legislative and company standards. The Shift Team Leader also supports the Permit Office Coordinator by enforcing site safety rules, particularly during planned outages and maintenance periods, thereby safeguarding all staff, contractors, and visitors.

In addition, the Shift Team Leader is tasked with developing and maintaining clear operational instructions and comprehensive risk assessments to guide the team’s activities. They act as Incident Controller during emergencies, taking decisive action to protect people, plant, and the environment. Accurate shift reporting and thorough handovers are essential, ensuring operational continuity and accountability across the facility’s 24/7 schedule. This position is central to fostering a culture of safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement within the team.

• Oversee and support the safe and efficient operation of all plant equipment, including diagnostics and defect rectification.
• Ensure strict compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental regulations, including site security and hazard management.
• Act as Incident Controller in emergencies, coordinating response efforts and conducting regular Emergency Response training.
• Conduct thorough plant inspections, pre‑start checks, and operational logging to maintain high standards of plant performance.
• Monitor plant consumables and coordinate maintenance activities to minimise downtime and optimise production targets.
• Assist with planned and forced outages, managing work orders and shift routines to ensure operational continuity.
• Lead, supervise, and develop the shift team, ensuring compliance with personnel procedures and effective training delivery.
• Review team performance, conduct appraisals, manage absence, and implement disciplinary and grievance procedures as required.
• Champion a positive Health & Safety culture, updating the team on key performance indicators, meetings, and company communications.
• Prepare and review detailed shift reports, highlighting operational threats and updating management on plant interruptions.
• Measure, record, and monitor site performance, taking corrective action when necessary to protect availability and efficiency.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and carry out any other reasonable duties as required.

This is a senior position within the Riverside team.

• NEBOSH Certificate in Construction
• Supervisory/Management qualification/experience
• Experience in managing a team of operations and maintenance staff
• Operational knowledge of EfW plants, including vehicles, plant and equipment, Control Room experience and proficiency in systems such as DCS
• Experience in electrical generation
• Experience with water/steam systems (thermodynamics)
• Understanding of relevant Environmental, Health & Safety and Waste legislation
• A strong safety focus and mindset, including:
  • Process safety
  • Communication skills
  • Negotiation/influencing skills
  • Delegation
  • Organisational skills in planning and prioritisation