Job Title: Plant Manager – Waste Operations (Start-Up Environment)
Location: UK (Site-based)
Job Type: Permanent
Rate: £400 – £600 per day (DOE)
Start-Up Opportunity | Long-Term Role | Business-Building Position
The Opportunity
We are a high-growth waste management start-up with contracts ready to go and an ambitious expansion plan already underway. We are now looking for an experienced Plant Manager to take full operational control of the site and help build the business from the ground up.
This is a rare opportunity for someone who doesn’t just want to run a plant – but wants to help shape it, scale it, and leave a lasting imprint on a growing operation.
The Role
As Plant Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the plant, overseeing all operational, compliance, and people-related activities.
You will initially manage a team of 3 operatives, with a clear plan to grow the workforce to 15+ employees by the end of the year. You will play a key role in setting up processes, systems, and best practices as the business scales.
This role suits someone who thrives in a start-up environment, is commercially aware, and has deep, hands-on knowledge of waste operations and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Full operational responsibility for the waste plant
Ensure compliance with all environmental permits, licences, and regulations
Act as the site lead for WAMITAB compliance and best practice
Manage, develop, and grow the site team (from 3 to 15+ staff)
Implement operational systems, procedures, and KPIs
Oversee health, safety, and environmental standards across the site
Optimise plant performance, throughput, and efficiency
Work closely with the business owners to support start-up setup and scaling
Liaise with regulators, contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders
Support mobilisation of existing contracts and onboarding of new work
Essential Experience & Requirements
WAMITAB qualified (non-negotiable)
Proven experience managing waste plants / waste operations
Strong working knowledge of UK waste legislation and compliance
Experience leading and developing operational teams
Confident running a site independently and making operational decisions
Hands-on, practical approach – not desk-bound
Experience working in or helping launch new operations/start-ups is highly desirable
Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
Why Join?
£400 – £600 per day, permanent role
Opportunity to build and shape a business, not just manage one
Contracts already secured – strong platform for growth
Direct access to owners and decision-makers
Ability to create your own operational structure and team
Stability of a permanent role with the excitement of a start-up
Ideal Candidate Profile
You’ll be someone who:
Knows waste operations inside and out
Understands WAMITAB and regulatory requirements at expert level
Enjoys building teams, systems, and sites from scratch
Is commercially minded and operationally strong
Wants long-term involvement in a growing business
Click ” Apply Now ” to be considered for our Plant Manager role.
Oliver Rae is an Established Recruitment Business with offices based in Walsall and Halesowen. We supply Temporary and Permanent Staffing to a range of sectors.
