Technical Operations Manager - Waste Management

We are recruiting for an experienced Technical Operations Manager for a waste management operation based in the North West. This is a senior, hands-on technical role where you will lead the optimisation, safety, and compliance of advanced waste treatment processes.

TITLE: Technical Operations Manager - Waste Management

LOCATION: Wigan, Standish and surrounding areas (with occasional travel to Yorkshire)
SALARY: £50-60k + bonus + benefits including pension, private healthcare, and life assurance

YOU WILL HAVE EXPERIENCE IN: Waste Treatment, Hazardous Waste, Industrial Waste, Effluent Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Treatment Plant, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Compliance, Waste Management

ROLE: You will act as the technical authority on treatment chemistry, process engineering, and laboratory analysis—playing a key role in driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and optimise industrial and hazardous waste treatment processes, including chemical, physical, and biological techniques.
• Manage treatment chemistry programmes (e.g. pH adjustment, precipitation, oxidation/reduction, stabilisation/solidification)
• Oversee laboratory operations, ensuring accurate testing, QA/QC, and compliance with discharge and permit requirements.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices.
• Troubleshoot plant issues, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with UK environmental legislation, including Environment Agency permits and hazardous waste regulations.
• Evaluate new technologies and treatment methods to improve sustainability and cost-efficiency.
• Prepare technical reports, mass balances, and regulatory documentation.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field (MSc/PhD desirable)
• 5+ years’ experience in waste treatment operations (hazardous, industrial, or chemical waste preferred)
• Strong expertise in treatment chemistry (coagulation, flocculation, advanced oxidation, etc.)
• Experience working in or managing a laboratory environment (e.g. ICP, GC-MS, titration, QA/QC)
• In-depth knowledge of UK environmental regulations and permitting.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with hazardous waste classification and acceptance
• Knowledge of SCADA/PLC systems and treatment plant design
• Familiarity with ISO 14001 and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean/Six Sigma)