Operations Support & Waste Manager


Location
Central London
Hours
Full Time
Salary
£36,000 - £40,000 per year
About the Role
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.
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: access to telephone and face-to-face counselling services.
My Rewards Programme: discounts on restaurants, supermarkets, entertainment, and holidays.
Free on-site parking.
Experience
- Operational and team leadership.
- Waste and environmental management knowledge.
- Financial and commercial acumen.
- Health and safety focus.
- Communication and problem-solving skills.
About you
Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to manage and develop teams effectively.
Proactive and solution-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and manage multiple priorities.
Committed to maintaining high standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
Qualifications
Relevant experience in waste management, operations, or warehouse environments preferred.
Knowledge of environmental regulations and health & safety legislation is essential.
Financial management experience desirable.
Willingness to lead and drive change in a fast-paced operational setting.
