Operations Manager – Waste Services (Interim / Service Recovery)
LocationOffice-based, 5 days per week
Duration3 months initial contract (likely extension)
RateFlexible – please state your day rate
The RoleWe are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take immediate, hands-on responsibility for stabilising and improving Waste Services within a local authority setting.
This is a frontline, operational role, not a purely strategic or advisory position. You will be embedded within the service, working closely with managers, supervisors, and crews to restore performance, improve standards, and ensure reliable day-to-day delivery.
Key Responsibilities*Take direct control of day-to-day waste service operations
*Identify service failures, inefficiencies, and performance issues, and implement immediate practical solutions
*Provide visible, hands-on leadership to frontline teams, supervisors, and managers
*Improve route efficiency, workflows, and operational processes
*Ensure compliance with health & safety, statutory requirements, and council standards
*Monitor service performance, KPIs, and outputs, reporting regularly to senior leadership
*Support resource planning, task allocation, and prioritisation across the service
*Act as a key escalation point, resolving operational issues quickly and effectively
What We’re Looking For*Proven experience managing waste, refuse, recycling, or environmental services operations
*Strong track record of improving or stabilising underperforming services
*Experience working in a local authority or contractor environment (e.g. waste services providers such as Biffa, Veolia, SUEZ, Amey)
*Hands-on leadership style, comfortable working directly within depot and frontline operations
*Strong understanding of fleet, routes, depots, and service delivery
*Ability to lead teams, solve problems quickly, and drive measurable improvement
*Excellent organisational and stakeholder management skills
What Success Looks Like*Service performance stabilised with clear, measurable improvements
*Operational control and structure re-established
*Backlogs reduced and key service failures resolved
*Teams working consistently to defined processes and standards
*Practical recommendations implemented for longer-term sustainability
Additional Information*This is a high-impact interim assignment requiring immediate on-site presence
*You will work under the direction of senior leadership but will be expected to take ownership of operational decisions
*Ideal for candidates who thrive in fast-paced, turnaround environments