OPERATIONS MANAGER – Residential Collections

With over 600 employees and 15 branches nationwide, this organisation is known for its customer-first approach and team-focused culture, where people are genuinely valued as their greatest asset.

The Opportunity:
On their behalf, we are recruiting for an experienced Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day delivery of residential waste collection services, including council contracts and wheelie bin operations within the Silverdale branch.

Leading a team of drivers and operational staff, you will be responsible for ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently, and on schedule, while maintaining high standards of customer service and regulatory compliance.

This is a broad operational leadership role encompassing fleet performance, route optimisation, workforce management, contract delivery, safety, customer outcomes, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Domestic Collections Fleet within the Silverdale Branch.

• Develop and implement efficient waste collection, transportation, and disposal processes.

• Ensure customers are serviced on time and to scheduled routes.

• Coordinate and optimise daily operations, including scheduling routes, event bins, managing resources and ensuring timely service delivery to clients.

• Continuously monitor operational performance, productivity and efficiency, implementing improvement initiatives to drive effectiveness.

• Onboard, train, and supervise a team of waste management personnel, including drivers, runners and other operational staff.

• Develop and enforce safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for employees and compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.

• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections, identify potential hazards, and implement corrective actions to mitigate risks.

• Ensure the prompt maintenance and repair of waste collection vehicles, equipment, and containers in partnership with the National Fleet Maintenance team.

• Manage equipment, including trucks and wheelie-bins, and maintain accurate records and reporting of equipment stock levels at month-end.

• Manage wheelie-bin repairs where possible to reuse.

• Prepare reports and metrics on operational performance, including lifts per hour.

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with customers, understanding their waste management needs and providing exceptional customer service.

• Address customer inquiries, concerns, and complaints promptly and effectively, striving to exceed customer expectations.
   

About You:

• Supervisory or management experience, preferably within waste, recycling, or transport operational environments.

• Strong knowledge of trucks, transportation, and fleet maintenance.

• Operationally strong, ideally with experience in scheduling, and workforce planning.

• Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with experience in supervising and motivating operational staff.

• Knowledge of safety regulations and practices within a high-risk operating environment.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyse complex situations and develop effective solutions.

• Proficiency in using computers and MS Word, Excel, GPS tracking systems, and Microsoft Office suite (MS365).

• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.

• A focus on continuous improvement, growth and creating accountability.

• A passion for building a strong team and safety-first culture.
  

The Rewards:

• Be part of a respected Kiwi brand, with strong values and a people-first culture.

• Remuneration $100K - $130K + company vehicle + health insurance

• A leadership role where you can make a genuine impact on operational performance, customer outcomes, and team culture.

• Long-term career development potential

If you’re skilled at balancing people leadership with operational excellence and want to be part of a business that values both, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply press APPLY NOW or contact Lisa Baggaley, Director of Kings Recruitment, or to the email address in the banner.

Please note that only those shortlisted will be contacted and this will happen within a week of your application.