Operations Development Manager
Location: South East (Newhaven / East Sussex focus, with regional travel)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £45,000+ DOE
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm, with occasional Weekends on-call
Hunters’ client is seeking an experienced Operations Development Manager to play a key role in driving regional performance and supporting a major phase of growth. This is a unique opportunity to step into a senior, strategic role with real influence — including the chance to lead the development of a brand-new Transfer Station in Newhaven.
This is not a standard operations role. It’s an opportunity to shape the future of a growing regional business, working closely with senior leadership and making a lasting impact across multiple sites.
Operations Development Manager - The Role
Provide senior operational oversight across multiple sites, driving performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement
Support the Head of Operations with regional strategy, reporting, and business planning
Lead the operational development of the new Newhaven Transfer Station, from planning through to launch
Identify risks and opportunities across sites, implementing improvements and best practices
Support site teams with leadership, recruitment, performance management, and operational challenges Operations Development Manager - The Fit
Transport Manager CPC (essential) with strong understanding of compliance and operator licence requirements
Proven senior operations experience within waste, logistics, transport, or similar sectors
Experience managing or supporting multi-site operations
Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and develop teams
Commercially aware with experience managing budgets, KPIs, and performance targets
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across sites What’s on Offer
Competitive salary and bonuses
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Pension scheme
Career-defining opportunity to lead a new operational site from the ground up
Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making
A growing, forward-thinking business with significant investment in the region
Business Mileage Covered This role is ideal for a senior operations professional who wants more than just a site — someone looking to take ownership, drive change, and play a central role in shaping the future of a regional operation