Operations Manager

Location: Tilbury
Salary: Up to £78,765 + up to 20% bonus
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time, site-based

Lead Operations. Drive Performance. Deliver Excellence.

We are recruiting on behalf of a leading organisation in the energy and waste sector for an experienced Operations Manager to play a critical leadership role at a modern Energy Recovery Facility.

Working as part of the senior site leadership team, you will be responsible for delivering safe, compliant and high-performing operations. This is a key position requiring strong leadership, operational expertise and the ability to drive performance through people, systems and continuous improvement.

The Role

As Operations Manager, you will lead the day-to-day running of the facility, ensuring operational excellence while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and efficiency.

You will work closely with the Plant Manager, Safety & Compliance Manager and Engineering Manager to deliver a best-in-class operation aligned to contractual, regulatory and business objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strong leadership to operational teams, driving a high-performance and safety-first culture
• Managing a large team through direct reports, including Shift Team Leaders and wider operational staff
• Ensuring full compliance with environmental permits, licences and all relevant legislation
• Leading the development, implementation and continuous improvement of operational procedures and systems
• Managing plant operations to maximise productivity, minimise downtime and ensure uninterrupted generation
• Monitoring operational costs and resource usage (utilities, chemicals, etc.) to drive efficiency and control spend
• Producing and reporting on KPIs, performance metrics and operational data
• Supporting the development and delivery of the site business plan, monitoring progress and implementing corrective actions
• Ensuring effective use of CMMS systems to maintain high standards of asset care, reporting and compliance
• Driving employee engagement, development and performance through strong leadership and structured reviews
• Working cross-functionally with engineering, SHEQS, projects and fuel supply teams to optimise site performance
• Maintaining strong relationships with regulators and key stakeholders

About You

You will be a proven operational leader with significant experience in a complex industrial environment. You will bring a strong technical understanding, combined with the ability to lead, influence and develop large teams.

This role requires someone with a resilient, hands-on leadership style, capable of managing multiple priorities while driving both people and plant performance.

Essential requirements:

• Experience within Energy from Waste, power generation, paper or similar industries
• Strong leadership experience managing large operational teams, including Shift Team Leaders or equivalent
• In-depth understanding of safety rules, safe systems of work and pressure systems
• Strong knowledge of industry legislation and compliance requirements
• Proven ability to drive operational performance, efficiency and continuous improvement
• Experience implementing and managing operational systems and procedures
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to manage within budgets
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experience with contract management and operational delivery against contractual KPIs
• Educated to ONC/HNC/HND level (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
• Full UK driving licence

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary with strong bonus potential (up to 20%)
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to take a senior leadership role within a critical energy facility
• A dynamic, high-responsibility environment with real impact on operational performance

Additional Information

• This is a fully site-based role
• Start date expected in July
• Candidates must have experience at Shift Team Leader level or above
• Strong leadership presence and personality are essential to succeed in this role

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager looking to step into a highly visible leadership role where you can shape performance, lead teams and drive operational excellence in a complex, fast-paced environment.

If this role is of interest, please press apply or get int ouch with Ryan Guy on (phone number removed) or (url removed)