Operations Manager

To apply, please visit: https://usel.getgotjobs.co.uk/registerJob/02908a97-7792-0cc0-b860-80760cbd1ea3

Job Title:                  Operations Manager                          

Locations:                182-188 Cambrai Street, Belfast, BT13 3JH

Contract:                 Permanent

Responsible To:     Head of Operations

Objective:                 To lead, manage and continuously improve the daily operations of the recycling facility, ensuring efficient, safe and environmentally responsible processing of recyclable materials. To develop the company’s existing recycling business and to develop further opportunities internally and externally and ensure its effectiveness and efficiency at all levels. To oversee staff, logistics and compliance, and equipment maintenance, while driving operational excellence, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability goals, in alignment with company objectives and regulatory standards.

Hours:                     35 (A typical working pattern is Monday to Thursday 8.00am-4.00pm, Friday 8.00am-1.00pm)

Salary:                      £35,426 to £39,800 per annum (Salary progression is subject to annual review in line with the public sector pay remit and incremental progression)

Interviews:               Please note interviews will take place on Tuesday 8th July 2025.

Job Description:

• Accountable for delivering revenue growth targets for the Recycling Division, including, pricing strategies income forecasting and identifying new commercial opportunities aligned to USEL’s mission across public, private and third-sector markets.
• Through effective and efficient management maintain and grow all of USEL’s existing recycling business activities to meet and, where possible, exceed financial performance targets, with clear accountability for income, cost control and contribution margins.
• Working with internal stakeholders ensuring a proactive approach to identify market opportunities and developing a working solution to meet such opportunities.
• Collaboration with USEL’s Employment Services Team to develop integrated service offers that integrate USEL’s services across the organisation.
• To identify waste streams and under-utilised resources that could be used internally or externally by other organisations.
• To source cost effective outlets for recyclable material, helping to reduce the overall cost burden for USEL.
• Manage the end-to-end sales/tendering pipeline for recycling services, including but not limited to preparation of business cases, procurement documentation in conjunction with the procurement department, e-Tenders monitoring, bid preparation, stakeholder liaison and post-submission feedback reviews.
• Account management for existing commercial recycling & manufacturing clients, ensuring retention, upselling and satisfaction through strong client engagement.
• Identify and mitigate operational and commercial risks, ensuring contracts are delivered profitably, compliantly and in line with USEL’s mission.
• Ensure all internal ISO 9001-2015 quality standards are designed, developed, implemented, monitored and reviewed in own area of responsibility.
• To be aware of an ensure all of USEL’s Policies and Procedures are adhered to.

Person Specification:

Essential

• At least 2 years in a management role within an operational environment such as a circular economy/social economy organisation.
• Demonstrable experience of effectively engaging internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written with the ability to adapt to the target audience.
• Experience of managing a team and demonstratable people management skills.
• Demonstratable experience of budget and resource management.
• Access to a car or be able to meet the mobility requirements of the post. (if the effects of a disability preclude an individual from holding a driving licence, then they should indicate how they could meet the mobility requirements for the post)

Desirable

• A recognised professional qualification in Recycling and Resource Management (e.g., WAMITAB / Operations Compliance Certification).
• Knowledge of the ISO Management System

Why Work with USEL:

• 27 days annual leave increasing to 30 days with service.
• 12 days Bank Holidays
• Lunch time finish on Fridays
• Fully accessible building for people living with disabilities.
• Free onsite car parking
• Fully accessible workplace for all
• Inspire Workplace Counselling Service
• Health & Wellbeing initiatives
• Flexible working opportunities
• Life Assurance