Principal Operations Manager

Location: Milton Keynes Waste Recovery Park

Reports to: Account Director

Are you ready to take a pivotal leadership role in one of the UK’s most advanced waste recovery facilities? Thalia Waste Management is seeking a Principal Operations Manager to oversee the operational excellence of all three key technologies at the Milton Keynes Waste Recovery Park:

• Advanced Thermal Treatment (ATT)
• Anaerobic Digestion (AD)
• Mechanical Treatment (MT)

As the number two to the Account Director, you will ensure the smooth, safe, and efficient running of the entire site, delivering on operational KPIs, cost management, and team leadership. You will work collaboratively with the Principal Maintenance Manager, Principal Process Engineer, and Compliance Manager to align operations, safety, and performance.

Operational Excellence:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of ATT, AD, and MT plants, ensuring safety, compliance, and maximum efficiency.
• Champion process safety and operational best practices, ensuring alignment with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Drive lean processes and Six Sigma methodologies to continuously optimise plant operations.
• Focus on operational efficiency and performance, ensuring adherence to KPIs and business goals.
• Support the business in becoming data-driven by using metrics, analysis, and insights to inform operational decisions.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Lead, inspire, and manage a team, including Shift Team Leaders and Operations Managers, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with the Principal Maintenance Manager to ensure that operations and maintenance strategies are fully aligned.
• Deputise for the Account Director during annual leave, providing continuity of leadership and decision-making.

Financial and Resource Management:

• Manage operational budgets with a strong focus on cost control and delivering value for the business.
• Monitor and optimise resource planning to ensure 24/7 operational coverage.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost-efficiency across all operational elements.

People Development and Culture:

• Drive a culture of collaboration, safety, and performance excellence across the team.
• Develop and implement training plans to ensure team competency and professional growth.
• Promote a safety-first mindset, encouraging proactive hazard identification and resolution.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Significant experience in operational leadership within complex industrial environments such as Energy from Waste, Power Generation, Waste Management, or similar process industries.
• Proven track record in managing large teams, delivering on KPIs, and driving operational efficiency.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in managing budgets and controlling costs.
• Experience implementing lean processes and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent leadership and people management skills with the ability to engage and motivate teams.
• Expertise in operational management, process safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to link operational challenges to performance outcomes.
• Effective communication and influencing skills, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.

Behaviours:

• A role model of high integrity, accountability, and professional excellence.
• Proactive, collaborative, and able to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Driven to continuously improve processes, systems, and team performance.

Benefits

• Entry into Company bonus scheme - up to 10%
• Contributory pension up to 8%
• Private medical cover (single)
• Company car or car allowance (£493 per month)
• 25 days annual leave
• Annual opportunity to buy additional annual leave (up to 5 days)
• Flexible benefits: Access to a wide range of flexible benefits through Bravo Benefits, allowing you to tailor your package to suit your individual needs, including health, wellbeing, and lifestyle options.
• Free parking