Operations Support & Waste Manager

Operations Support & Waste Manager ROLE PURPOSE

The Operations Support & Waste Manager plays a pivotal cross-functional leadership

role, ensuring the efficient, safe, and compliant management of both site waste

streams and broader warehouse operations support. This role bridges direct, hands-

on leadership of the yard and waste management team with strategic operational

support across the wider warehouse ecosystem.

You will be directly responsible for leading the waste team, overseeing the processing of

recyclable and non-recyclable materials, driving cost optimization through supplier

management, and executing smooth yard logistics. Concurrently, you will serve as an

operational anchor-supporting day-to-day warehouse workflows, driving continuous

improvement, ensuring cross-departmental alignment, and upholding strict Health &

Safety and compliance standards across all operational touchpoints.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Waste Management & Operations Leadership

• Lead and develop the waste and yard team through effective shift management, task allocation, and performance reviews.
• Oversee daily waste processing and ensure the safe operation and maintenance of all waste management machinery.
• Coordinate site traffic and waste movement to prevent yard congestion and maintain efficient operational flow.
• Maintain accurate logs and documentation to ensure full compliance with all environmental and waste regulations.
• Work with Depot sites to ensure correct process of waste segregation to maximise efficiency.

Operational Support & Warehouse Integration

• Partner with warehouse managers to streamline material handling and eliminate operational bottlenecks.
• Coordinate yard logistics and perimeter security to ensure smooth vehicle movements and clear loading/unloading zones.
• Implement and audit standard operating procedures to ensure best practices across all warehouse teams.
• Assist with implementation of new SOPs and best practices across yard and warehouse team
• Dynamically reallocate yard resources to support warehouse teams during peak operational periods.
• Oversee site materials and consumables to maintain high operational efficiency at the main distribution centre.

Cost Optimization, Financial Control & Supplier Relations

• Manage external vendor contracts to ensure cost-effective service and adherence to agreed Service Level Agreements.
• Control departmental budgets by monitoring service costs and approving invoices to drive cost reduction.
• Optimize revenue through effective source-segregation practices for high-value recyclable materials.
• Assist with implementation of cost reduction projects across yard and warehouse team.

Compliance, Safety & Site Standards

• Promote a zero-harm safety culture through regular risk assessments and strict compliance with MHE safety rules.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and site presentation to mitigate environmental hazards.
• Ensure constant site readiness for all internal and external Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality audits.
• Take full accountability for the recruitment, retention, and performance development of the yard and waste team.
• Maintain financial oversight of the department to optimize the total value of the cost centre.
• Lead strategic planning for waste management and site consumables to align resources with operational demands.
• Monitor and ensure strict compliance with all relevant waste legislation.

Continuous Improvement & Data Analytics

• Identify and implement process optimization initiatives to improve overall warehouse and yard efficiency.
• Utilize KPI reporting and data analytics to identify bottlenecks and present performance reports to leadership.
• Successfully drive and manage change within a fast-paced operational environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Cost Reduction vs. Budget.
• Waste Diversion Rate.
• Equipment & Yard Operational Uptime.
• Supplier SLA & Service Compliance.
• Safety, MHE & Compliance Audit Score.
• Operational Support Efficiency.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Operational & Team Leadership.
• Waste & Environmental Knowledge.
• Financial & Commercial Acumen.
• Health & Safety Focus.
• Communication & Problem-Solving.

BENEFITS

• Employee discount: amazing discounts available on all Oak Furnitureland products after successful completion of probation
• Life assurance: free cover of a minimum of two times your annual salary up to the age of 65
• 20 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
• Birthday: an additional day off for you to celebrate your birthday
• Pension: 4% employee contribution matched by the company
• Hybrid working
• Employee Assistance Programme: gives all employees access to both telephone and face-to-face counselling services
• My Rewards Programme: offers discounts on everything from restaurants and supermarkets, to entertainment and holidays
• Free on-site parking