Waste Network Manager

At Lanes Group nothing is more important than the health, safety and well‑being of our people and our customers. It’s a major reason we are the UK’s largest independent specialist infrastructure delivery partner of choice with a turnover fast approaching £700 million with an EBITDA £68 million, with almost 4,500 brilliant people and a countrywide network of operational locations. Our services cover the majority of the FTSE 100 & 250 respectfully, added to this, we are the market leader in Regulated Wastewater Utilities.

Strong leadership being at our heart, supporting our people ensuring they are engaged with purpose, rewarded and recognised whilst delivering absolute exacting operational excellence being a leading entity and enviable delivery team embracing quality and compliance in our overarching delivery, one of our fundamental key differentiators.

In this critical role of ensuring our organisation is known for being the best in everything we do, known for leaving a legacy of absolute quality and compliance and, keeping our promises at all times is our absolute mantra.

We operate 24/7 and as such you are required to work flexible hours, weekends and participate in an on‑call rota. Full training / PPE / use of company equipment will be provided to ensure that all our employees have the right tools, competency, and confidence to undertake the work to Lanes’ high standard of operation regardless of background or previous experience.

Waste Network Manager

Reading Treatment Works, Thames Valley Region (Reading, Berkshire)

Permanent, full‑time

Monday to Friday, 40 hours, plus on‑call rota – start times to be discussed

OTE £36,000 – £41,000 per annum, depending upon experience (including on‑call allowance)

24 days holiday (plus bank holidays); company van for business use and fuel card; health cash plan; onsite parking; auto enrolment pension scheme; personal learning.

Reporting to the Operations Manager for the Thames Valley Region, you will need to be able to lead a team of multi‑skilled waste network service engineers in the delivery of both a reactive and planned 24/7 operational response in a dynamic environment. The key to success in this role is having a proactive, purposeful yet personable approach in performance and line management.

You will be part of a team of Field Managers responsible for all aspects of Health & Safety, performance delivery, people management, vehicle utilisation and ensure adherence to budgetary limits for equipment and consumables.

• Carry out site inspections
• Coordinate field engineers
• Manage fleet issues
• Evaluate employee performance
• Liaise with the office planners / team leaders
• Conduct one‑to‑ones
• Vehicle utilisation
• Resource availability
• Assist the client with high‑profile jobs
• Monitor engineers’ performances
• Carry out and liaise with HR on disciplinaries / interviews / pathway reviews
• Look after the wellbeing of the field staff
• Be aware of Lanes Group policies and your responsibility towards them
• Any other reasonable ad hoc duties requested by the Operations or Regional Manager for Thames Valley, the Head of Field Operations or any other member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

The ideal candidate will be hard working and respectful and comply with health and safety standards. Previous management and leadership experience is crucial, as is a full UK drivers licence. Having prior knowledge of the utilities sector, especially drainage and wastewater, will be an advantage. Being able to prioritise and multitask whilst building working relationships is essential.

Experience managing teams and operations within fast‑paced, safety‑critical environments – such as courier and parcel delivery, logistics and transport, field service and engineering, waste management, facilities management, utilities and infrastructure, or retail – will be highly beneficial, particularly where there is a strong focus on operational efficiency, customer service, compliance and people leadership.

• Strive to be always positive and constructive
• Adhere to all company policies
• Speak straight about the facts of the…