Job Description

Depot Manager – Sunderland

A quick look at the role

We’re looking for an experienced Depot Manager to lead our Sunderland operation and supporting outbases, taking overall responsibility for delivering a safe, compliant, efficient and high-performing depot.

Health & safety, environmental standards and Operator Licence compliance will be at the heart of everything you do. You’ll lead from the front, ensuring we consistently deliver excellent service to our customers while creating a culture where continuous improvement, accountability and operational excellence are part of the everyday.

This is a highly visible leadership role with responsibility for people, performance, productivity and the depot P&L. You’ll have the autonomy to make an impact, develop your team and help shape the future success of the operation.

Why it’s an opportunity not to be wasted

• Lead a high-performing operation. You’ll manage and coordinate depot resources to maximise productivity, maintain service standards and ensure we deliver for our customers every day.
• Own the numbers. Take responsibility for the depot’s full profit and loss budget, driving effective cost control, productivity and sustainable year-on-year performance.
• Put safety and compliance first. Ensure the depot operates to the highest standards of health & safety, environmental compliance and Operator Licence requirements.
• Develop great people. Lead, coach and develop drivers and operational colleagues, setting clear objectives, monitoring performance and creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Drive continuous improvement. Use clearly defined KPIs to identify opportunities, challenge existing ways of working and implement improvements that make the operation safer, smarter and more efficient.
• Deliver for our customers. Work closely with the Biffa Business Improvement Manager and wider commercial teams to ensure local customers receive a consistently high standard of service and value.
• Shape the operation. You’ll have the opportunity to influence new working practices, set the direction of the depot and turn operational challenges into practical improvements.
• Make your mark. Join a forward-thinking industry leader that values people who take ownership, bring new ideas and aren’t afraid to challenge convention.

What we’re looking for

You’ll be an experienced operational leader who is comfortable balancing people, customers, compliance and commercial performance in a fast-paced environment.

You’ll also bring:

• Significant experience as an Operations Manager, Depot Manager or in a similar senior operational role, ideally within waste, logistics, transport or another service-led environment.
• A relevant CPC qualification.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to operate effectively in a time-critical environment.
• Proven experience of leading and developing teams, including within a unionised and multi-shift environment.
• Strong knowledge of health & safety management and a track record of creating a positive safety culture.
• A comprehensive understanding of the waste industry and relevant legislation.
• Up-to-date knowledge of environmental, transport and health & safety legislation.
• Good knowledge of the local area.
• An understanding of lean methodology and experience of managing performance through clearly defined KPIs.
• A proven track record of delivering measurable continuous improvement within an operational environment.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence, plan effectively and bring people with you.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths as a minimum. A-Levels, a degree or other relevant professional qualifications would be advantageous.

Biffa – changing the way people think about waste

At Biffa, we love working with waste. Whether we’re turning it into sustainable power, finding new ways to recycle valuable resources or simply keeping waste off the streets, we believe every day brings an opportunity to make a difference.

Our 11,000+ colleagues across the country share that ambition. In return, we offer careers that are rewarding, often challenging and never dull.

We believe the best ideas come from bringing together different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can contribute, develop and succeed.

If you’re an experienced operational leader who thrives on developing people, improving performance and running a safe, efficient operation, we’d love to hear from you.