Operations Manager
Reporting to: Fleet General Manager
Location: Leeds
Function: Operations / Fleet
Role Overview
At Panda, our operations keep the business moving safely, efficiently and reliably.
As Operations Manager, you’ll play a key role in overseeing the day-to-day running of our fleet operation, working closely with planners, drivers and site managers to ensure waste movements across our Leeds sites are delivered safely, compliantly and cost-effectively.
This is a hands-on leadership role in a fast-moving environment. You’ll take ownership of fleet performance, driver compliance and subcontractor management, while maintaining high standards of customer service and operational control. The role suits someone confident operating autonomously, making decisions under pressure, and responding quickly to operational challenges as they arise.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Lead and promote a strong health & safety culture, ensuring all policies, procedures and safe systems of work are followed at all times
* Oversee the daily operation of circa 20 vehicles, working closely with the on-site planner to optimise efficiency and service delivery
* Manage drivers in line with drivers’ hours legislation, ensuring full compliance and effective utilisation
* Plan and coordinate the movement of waste and off-take requirements across all Leeds sites, working collaboratively with site managers
* Control fleet performance against budgeted targets, identifying efficiencies and managing costs
* Manage and coordinate sub-contracted hauliers, ensuring service, compliance and cost standards are met
* Take ownership of vehicle maintenance compliance, including servicing schedules, MOTs and defect management
* Ensure full adherence to DVSA regulations and transport legislation
* Provide operational cover during peak periods and holidays, ensuring continuity of service
* Act decisively in a dynamic environment, prioritising workload and resolving issues as they occur
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
* Manager CPC qualification
* Proven experience in a logistics, transport or fleet operations environment
* Strong working knowledge of drivers’ hours regulations and DVSA legislation
* Experience using computerised planning systems
* Solid understanding of UK geography
* Confident, assertive communicator with strong interpersonal skills
* Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
* Comfortable working under pressure in a fast-paced operational setting
* Proficient IT skills, particularly Microsoft Outlook and Excel
Desirable:
* IOSH qualification or health & safety training
Why Join Panda?
You’ll be joining an essential industry and a business that values operational excellence, safety and teamwork. This role offers real responsibility, autonomy and the opportunity to make a visible impact on how our operations perform day-to-day.
We are Panda. We value waste.
We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste.
Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve.
At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together.
We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while
delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward.
We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make.
And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing.
Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact.
Take the first step and join us on the journey.
Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.
(DE&I Policy Statement)