Agricultural Recycling Manager

Thames Water Bio-Recycling is the largest recycler of biosolids in the UK, recycling to land over 750,000t of biosolids per annum and we are looking for a new manager to join our team based in the North, managing the recycling of Biosolids in Essex.

The main purposes of this role are to manage the safe and efficient recycling of sewage sludge (Biosolids) to agriculture within a geographical area. This is an opportunity to work within an environment, building relationships with customers, landowners, agronomists, agents and other rural communities. The scope of different levels of stakeholder management and liaising with other organisations is very large, such as environmental health officers, the Environment Agency and local communities.

Coordinating with the wider recycling team to manage in the most effective and efficient manner. Responsible for managing and monitoring sites, contractors’ health and safety and the performance of agricultural operations in a defined area.

What you’ll be doing as an Agricultural Recycling Manager

• Managing and developing a geographically dispersed technical team, ensuring the delivery of performance targets and objectives for the team.
• Day-to-day management of the team, with the overall responsibility to ensure there is a safe working environment, ensuring Thames Water HR policies and procedures are adhered to, strict management of H & S across the team and the associated contracted activities.
• Development of the team through coaching, training and mentoring of employees
• Responsible for the safe and efficient recycling of sewage sludge to our customers in agriculture within a given geographical area.
• Developing, liaising and building relationships with farmers, landowners, agronomists, agents and others in rural communities, to maintain and build the reputation and credibility of the company, thus promoting the beneficial use of sewage sludge as a fertiliser replacement.
• Liaising with Environmental Health Officers, Environment Agency Officers and local communities to ensure that the impact of the recycling operations to the environment and the public is kept to a minimum.
• Working and coordinating within the wider recycling team to ensure the safe, effective and efficient management of the recycling operation, contract and therefore improving financial performance.
• Managing and monitoring the contract and the contractors in a defined area, promoting a strong, challenging and effective business relationship.
• Responsible for monitoring the contractors Health and Safety performance of agricultural operations in a defined area.
• Source land for recycling of bio solids, building and maintaining a land bank to sustain the companies recycling requirement for now and the future.
• Management of sales process which includes, fertiliser advice, pricing and availability, land suitability, soil sampling, risk assessment of land to be spread and stockpile site, site specific contractor liaison, entry of order and production of permits via TDS (land application management software). The timing of operations and the signing off order prior to invoicing.
• Responsible to manage any changes to business requirements within your area.
• Developing and reassessing procedures and work methods to increase working and financial performance.
• To ensure that all operations follow the teams management systems and comply with all the current and future regulations ensuring that the business keeps its 100% statutory compliance record.
• Strategic planning to manage workflow and keeping financial control while helping to drive team performance.
• Keeping up to date with qualifications, company procedures, policies and Health and Safety requirements.

This is a field-based role, covering the Essex area.

36 hours a week, Monday to Friday.

This role does require a driver's licence as you will be provided with a work van.

What you should bring to the role

• An agricultural background with a good knowledge of rural practice is essential, preferably with sales experience in a similar field such as Biosolid Management.
• You must confidently talk to farmers, agronomists, and contractors.
• Sales experience would be an advantage within this role.
• You must be organised, flexible, responsive to change, and able to manage your own time.
• Ideally, you will be aware of current agricultural initiatives and legislation, such as the Nitrates Directive and Cross-Compliance.
• It would be advantageous if you were FACTS or BASIS-trained.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £35,000 - £44,000 per annum.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• A wider benefits scheme includes our benefits hub, which is packed with offers and information to save money and support your well-being.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, if you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. We aim to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business, meet colleagues and earn some extra money along the way.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.