This is a safety‑critical leadership role where you’ll balance people management, operational control and compliance accountability.
As the Support Manager for , your role will assist the Operations Manager with the responsibility of ensuring the effective and resilient day to day operation of our essential waste service provision across the region, working with both internal and external customers and stakeholders. You will take ownership of part of a regional team, providing a skilled workforce to carry out their tasks, coach and support drivers and operators, whilst promoting a health and safety and performance culture across the team, which will be a mix of both internal and contractor employees.What you’ll be doing
As the Operations Support Manager, you will lead and support a team.
Your role will include:
- Lead, coach and support a team of drivers and operational employees.
- Drive a strong health, safety and compliance culture.
- Support scheduling and resource planning to maximise fleet utilisation.
- Monitor performance, identify improvements and drive operational efficiency.
- Conduct audits, investigations and compliance checks.
- Work closely with internal teams and contractors to deliver excellent customer service
- Ensure all drivers are fully trained in the operation of plant and equipment necessary to complete their daily duties and are fully briefed regarding all relevant safety and legal aspects of their role
- Working with the Operations Manager help support the management of compliance with the Operator’s License with respect to the training, development & understanding of the operational team (including drivers/operators), and subsequent performance management to ensure compliance &/or other tasks undertaken by the operational team, as outlined on the Operator’s License
- Working collaboratively both across the business unit and wider organisation to help the business achieve its goals and priorities
- Collaborate, sharing knowledge, always exploring to look for new ways of working, highlighting and owning process improvements through a continuous improvement mindset
About you
We’re looking for an experienced operational leader with a strong safety mindset and a passion for high‑quality delivery. You’ll bring:
- Experience managing operational or safety‑critical teams, ideally within logistics , transport or operational environments.
- TRANSPORT MANAGERS CPC – UK Road Haulage Operations (National) ( obtained or working towards )
- Health & safety leadership credentials (IOSH / NEBOSH desirable)
- Strong knowledge of transport compliance and fleet operations
- Experience of vehicle‑based operations or plant‑led services
- A proven ability to coach, motivate and develop people
- Confidence making sound decisions in time‑pressured or uncertain situations
- Clear communication skills and the ability to engage, motivate and hold teams to account
- Excellent stakeholder management, confident to operate at all levels of internal, partner and contractor organisations
- Full Uk Driving Licence (Manual)
Flexibility is essential, including supporting operational escalation and standby arrangements when required.
Why join us?
We believe our workforce should reflect the communities we serve. We’re committed to inclusion, fairness and opportunity for all and proudly support initiatives including the Social Mobility Pledge, Race at Work Charter, Armed Forces Covenant, Disability Confident, and the Women’s Utility Network.
Ready to lead where it matters most?
Apply now, don’t forget to include your cover letter, and help us secure water for generations to come.
Closing date – 27th July 2026
Interviews – August 2026
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Skills Required
- Experience managing operational or safety-critical teams (logistics, transport, or operational environments)
- Transport Managers CPC - UK Road Haulage Operations (National) (obtained or working towards)
- Health and safety leadership credentials (IOSH / NEBOSH)
- Strong knowledge of transport compliance and fleet operations
- Experience of vehicle-based operations or plant-led services
- Proven ability to coach, motivate and develop people
- Ability to make sound decisions in time-pressured or uncertain situations
- Clear communication skills and ability to engage, motivate and hold teams to account
- Excellent stakeholder management, able to operate at all levels including partners and contractors
- Full UK Driving Licence (Manual)
What We Do
Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) is the nation's largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, providing distribution, marketing, and development services.
