Site Manager

Site Manager Location: Preston, PR2 Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday Contract: Permanent, Full-Time Reporting to: Head of Site Operations Are you an experienced operational leader with a passion for safety, performance and continuous improvement? We're looking for a confident, hands-on and commercially minded Site Manager to lead our specialist recycling operations in Preston.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Site or Operations Manager who thrives in a fast-paced, operational environment and enjoys leading teams, driving performance and making a real difference. You'll take overall responsibility for the safe, compliant and efficient running of our site, which specialises in the treatment and recycling of end-of-life displays and household meters.

From developing your team and improving operational efficiency to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety and environmental compliance, you'll play a key role in the continued success of our operations. If you're a proactive leader who enjoys being visible on the shop floor, solving problems and delivering results, we'd love to hear from you.

About Recycling Lives Services Recycling Lives Services is not a typical recycling company. Since 2008, the business has been structurally built around social value, employing people from disadvantaged backgrounds, partnering with the justice system to reduce reoffending, and delivering environmental excellence at scale.

The social mission is not a layer added on top of commercial activity. It is the reason the business operates in the way it does. As a certified B Corp (scoring 103.5 against a business median of 50.9), Recycling Lives Services generated £42.9m in social value in 2024, achieved a 61% reduction in CO2 emissions, and diverted 97% of waste from landfill.

15% of our team have been welcomed through our rehabilitation programmes, and only 6% of people we support reoffend — compared to a national average of over 25%. We operate UK-wide across construction, manufacturing, retail, utilities and public sector markets, offering total waste management, WEEE recycling, and specialist hazardous waste services.

Our PACE values underpin how we work and the culture we are building across the business: Passion – we care about what we do; Accountability – we take responsibility; Collaboration – we work together respectfully; and Excellence – we aim high. We look for people who share these values and want to make a positive contribution to our business, our customers and the communities we support.

What You'll Be Doing This is a varied, hands-on leadership role with responsibility for site safety, operational performance, people management and environmental compliance. Site Operations & Performance Take ownership of the day-to-day running of the site, ensuring safe, efficient and compliant operations. Plan and manage workloads, resources and equipment to achieve production, quality and turnaround targets.

Oversee the receipt, processing and recycling of end-of-life displays and household meters. Ensure accurate material tracking, stock control, reporting and full traceability throughout the recycling process. Drive operational efficiency, maximise material recovery and minimise downtime and waste. Manage site budgets, labour costs and operational KPIs, reporting performance to senior leadership.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance Champion a proactive health and safety culture, ensuring the highest standards are maintained across the site. Ensure compliance with environmental permits, AATF requirements and relevant waste management legislation. Oversee the safe handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials, including batteries, mercury-containing components and other controlled waste streams.

Maintain effective risk assessments, safe systems of work, emergency procedures and site safety controls. Lead incident investigations and implement corrective and preventative actions. People Leadership & Development Lead, motivate and develop a large operational workforce, creating a positive, accountable and high-performing team.

Manage recruitment, induction, training, performance and employee development. Build strong working relationships across the site, promoting effective communication and teamwork. Set clear expectations, address performance issues and support continuous improvement in management and operational standards. Continuous Improvement & Stakeholder Management Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, cost control and environmental performance.

Work closely with internal teams, customers, regulatory bodies and external partners. Oversee plant maintenance, operational planning and the effective use of equipment and resources. Support the introduction of improved processes, systems and ways of working.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an experienced operational leader who combines strong technical knowledge with excellent people management skills and a practical, solutions-focused approach. You'll need: Proven Site Manager or Operations Manager experience within recycling, waste management, WEEE, manufacturing, logistics or a comparable operational environment.

Strong knowledge of health and safety legislation and hazardous materials handling, supported by a NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent. A good understanding of environmental permits, Duty of Care and hazardous waste requirements. Demonstrable experience leading and developing a large, labour-intensive workforce of 50+ employees.

Experience managing operational budgets, costs, performance targets and KPIs. A confident, visible leadership style with the ability to motivate teams and drive accountability. Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills. A proactive approach to continuous improvement, operational efficiency and compliance.

A full UK driving licence and flexibility to respond to occasional out-of-hours operational requirements. It would be advantageous if you also have: Experience within an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF), WEEE recycling, meter recycling or secure destruction operations. WAMITAB / CIWM Technically Competent Manager (TCM) certification, or willingness to obtain it.

Knowledge of the WEEE Regulations 2013. Experience working with ISO 9001/14001 standards and operational management systems. Lean or Six Sigma training or experience. Above all, we're looking for someone who is hands-on, safety-conscious, commercially aware and passionate about developing people and delivering operational excellence.

What We Offer

Competitive salary, dependent on experience. 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays. Private health cover via Vitality Health Company pension (5% employee / 3% employer). Free onsite parking. Employee Assistance Programme. Free financial wellbeing support. Weekly fruit boxes. Cycle to Work Scheme.* Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.

• The opportunity to be part of a certified B Corp delivering meaningful social and environmental impact.

Benefits

marked with an asterisk are subject to eligibility criteria and qualifying service. Ready to Lead and Make a Difference? If you're an experienced operational leader looking for a role where you can take ownership, develop a successful team and drive meaningful improvements, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of a business where people, purpose and performance go hand in hand.

Recycling Lives Services is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.