Location
Manchester

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
As part of a dynamic high-performing team, the Agriculture Services Controller (ASC) plays a key role in bioresource recycling and disposal. ASCs act as the "gate keepers" of the haulage permitting process and custodians of recycling data and records. They are responsible for administrating payments and maintaining effective liaison with contractors. A key responsibility is to liaise with wider stakeholders including the public, customers, regulators (Environmental Health, Environment Agency), and other United Utilities colleagues.

ASCs ensure efficient operational practice within available landbanks by deciding which fields can be utilised and calculating recycling volumes. They agree collection schedules with contractors and collate data for regulatory reporting purposes. The role requires active management of regulatory relationships with agencies such as the Environment Agency, councils, and the farming community. ASCs manage payments to contractors and oversee the collation and invoicing of sludge sales.

Key accountabilities include ensuring products are recycled at correct application rates in line with changing limits, compliance with the UU Sludge to Land Code of Practice and all legislative and regulatory standards, and maintaining the corporate sludge register. The role involves coordinating recycling operations carried out by in-house staff or contractors, monitoring costs, ensuring timely payment of invoices, and ensuring sludge compliance by reference to HACCP. ASCs lead HACCP failure incidents and contribute to contingency and action plans.

Effective communication is essential, involving liaison with field-based and centralised functions such as customer services, treatment staff, laboratory services, transport services, and health and safety. The role also includes managing Transfer Stations and supporting the Agriculture Advisor role when required. ASCs actively contribute to new working methods and contract content.

Experience
Well-developed IT literacy in Microsoft Excel, Word, and other UU systems (e.g. SAP, OMS, ArcGIS). Numerical skills with experience in data administration and processing. Knowledge of regulations and Codes of Practice surrounding agricultural product recycling. Proven communication skills and experience dealing with internal and external stakeholders. Effective decision making and problem solving skills. A full driving licence is required.

About you
Excellent planning, controlling, and organisational skills. A strong team player with excellent communication abilities. Resilient and adaptable to changing environmental pressures and working practices. Able to lead and motivate teams to ensure compliance with changing legislation and standards. Comfortable managing day-to-day operations, forecasting, and handling operational challenges such as plant breakdowns and customer complaints.

Qualifications
Ability to achieve the Certificate in Land-spreading deployment of non-farmed wastes to agriculture. Appropriate degree preferred. Experience managing compliance with ESA's, SSSI's, RAMSAR, NVZ's, Special Areas of Conservation and Interest, and other environmental legislative and regulatory standards.