Exeter, Devon, GB
Shift Team Leader
Our Vision is to be the UK’s leading innovator of resource recovery and recycling, transforming waste for a climate-positive future.
Are you someone who lives and breathes high performance, leads with ambition, and would like to be part of an organisation that looks after tomorrow? Viridor has a redefined purpose, a bold Vision, and an ambitious, market-leading strategy. We are investing in the future, and we need a talented team with exceptional people, who believe in each other, to help us achieve this.
Join us, as we rise to the challenge and build a world where nothing goes to waste
Viridor is at the forefront of waste management and resource recovery in the UK, operating the largest network of Energy Recovery Facilities (ERFs). We play a crucial role in supporting the UK's climate goals by diverting waste from landfills and transforming it into valuable energy resources.
We have an opportunity in Exeter for a Shift Team Leader to join our team working 40 hours per week.
The salary for this role will be £65,363 per annum + shift allowance, and participation in an annual bonus scheme, in addition to our great range of benefits.
The closing date for applications is 23/11/2026. We encourage all applicants to apply as soon as possible as we may close vacancies early if we receive a high number of applications.
As Shift Team Leader, you will provide leadership, direction and technical expertise to the shift team, ensuring the safe, efficient and environmentally compliant operation of the ERF plant. Acting as the site's Senior Authorised Person (SAP), you will oversee the Safe System of Work, supervise contractors, and play a key role in maximising plant performance, waste throughput and energy generation.
Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will be accountable for Shift Operator Technicians and Auxiliary Plant Operators while driving operational excellence across a 24-hour shift operation.
What You'll Be Doing
Operational Leadership
- Lead and supervise shift teams to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the ERF plant.
- Prioritise workloads and resources to maximise plant availability and performance against operational KPIs.
- Maximise waste throughput and energy output through effective plant management.
- Organise shift cover when required to maintain operational resilience.
- Participate in an on-call rota and provide shift cover at weekends when required.
- Conduct detailed shift handovers and ensure effective communication across teams.
Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance
- Take full responsibility for maintaining the highest standards of health, safety and environmental performance.
- Act as the site's Senior Authorised Person (SAP), managing the Safe System of Work and Permit to Work processes.
- Carry out risk assessments and ensure all work activities are completed safely.
- Ensure compliance with all site policies, statutory regulations and environmental permit requirements.
- Lead emergency responses as Incident Controller during incidents and emergency exercises.
- Conduct routine testing of emergency procedures and maintain accurate records.
- Ensure all visitors and contractors receive site inductions and understand emergency procedures.
Maintenance & Plant Performance
- Ensure operational Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) tasks are completed and recorded within the CMMS.
- Identify, report and manage plant defects through the maintenance management system.
- Work collaboratively with maintenance and management teams to drive continuous improvement.
- Ensure all quality and environmental performance parameters are achieved.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing shift team.
- Conduct performance reviews, personal development discussions and action planning.
- Carry out return-to-work meetings following periods of absence.
- Hold regular team briefings and promote clear, effective communication.
- Foster a positive, flexible and collaborative team culture focused on continuous improvement.
What We're Looking For
Essential Experience
- Experience working within a process plant, power generation, energy-from-waste, utilities or similar industrial environment.
- Experience operating within Safe Systems of Work, including issuing Permits to Work and associated safety documentation.
- Experience leading or supervising operational teams in a shift environment.
- Strong understanding of health, safety and environmental requirements within a process-based industry.
Essential Skills
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong organisational and planning capabilities.
- Ability to lead team briefings, conduct thorough shift handovers and produce concise reports.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Good IT literacy and experience using operational management systems.
Desirable Experience & Knowledge
- Experience coordinating and supervising contractors and maintenance activities.
- Knowledge of environmental permitting and IPPC regulations.
- Experience using Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
- Understanding of Energy Recovery Facilities, waste-to-energy operations or power generation processes.
Qualifications
Essential
- Engineering qualification (ONC, HNC or equivalent) or significant relevant operational experience.
Desirable
- IOSH, NEBOSH or equivalent health and safety qualification.
- Senior Authorised Person (SAP) status or the ability to achieve SAP authorisation following appointment.
How to apply
Click apply at the bottom of the page and you will be asked to create a profile. Make sure you have an up-to-date CV ready!
We are a Great Place to Work
There has never been a more exciting time to join Viridor. Following the acquisition of the business by the global private equity firm, KKR, the core business has been reshaped to focus on our leading UK Energy from Waste portfolio.
What we can offer you
We invest in our people to reward them for their hard work, and we have a host of company benefits available to you when you join - take a look at our Rewards and Benefits
As an equal opportunities' employer, Viridor is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.