Job Description

Company Overview

Established in 1985, Mekatek Limited has developed to become one of the major Recycling and Waste Management organisations in Wales. Operating specialist treatment facility which enables us to provide a complete service offering to our customers no matter how diverse their requirement.

The Rhymney site is situated in South Wales, in the county borough of Caerphilly. Situated close to the A465 Heads of The Valley Road, Rhymney is easily accessible by car and only a short drive from the Brecon Beacons National Park along with other areas of natural beauty and historical interest.

Head of Operations - Rhymney Facility

About the Facility

The Rhymney site is undergoing extensive investment to strengthen its position as a leading recycling and resource recovery facility. Current operations include:

Recycling of Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Dismantling of TVs, Monitors (CRT, FPD, LCD & LED), and Computers - recovering valuable commodities while safely managing hazardous components Re-processing of ferrous and non-ferrous materials into valuable commodities Sorting and recovery of mixed dry commercial waste products Specialist separation, size reduction, and sorting of recyclable content

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced

Head of Operations

to lead, optimize, and expand the Rhymney facility. This role is pivotal in shaping operational strategy, driving efficiency, and embedding a

Lean and Continuous Improvement culture

across the site.

The successful candidate will oversee and develop a management team that includes the

Operations Manager, Shift Managers, Quality function, and Maintenance department

, ensuring seamless coordination and delivery of site objectives. They will play a central role in both daily performance and the execution of future investment projects, securing the facility's position as a best-in-class recycling and resource recovery hub.

The Head of Operations will report directly to the Managing Director.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Provide direct leadership to the

Operations Manager, Shift Managers, Quality, and Maintenance teams

, ensuring alignment with overall business strategy Ensure strict compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental Regulations across all site activities Establish, monitor, and refine

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

to track performance, efficiency, quality, and profitability Oversee plant and equipment maintenance strategies, ensuring reliability, uptime, and cost-effectiveness

Continuous Improvement & Lean Practices

Deploy

Kanban systems, Six Sigma tools, and Lean methodologies

to eliminate inefficiencies and streamline workflows Champion a

culture of continuous improvement (Kaizen)

, ensuring innovation and operational excellence in recycling and waste recovery Implement robust data-driven operational controls to improve accuracy, reporting, and decision-making

Commercial & Strategic Development

Produce accurate costings for processes and provide recommendations to the Managing Director and Board to ensure operational and commercial viability Work with the senior leadership team to define operational objectives aligned with company strategy and future investments Play a leading role in site expansion and development projects, ensuring operational readiness and strong return on investment

People & Culture

Lead, develop, and inspire the

Operations Manager, Shift Managers, Quality, and Maintenance departments

, ensuring competency, engagement, and accountability across all staff Build strong cross-functional relationships with other business units to enhance collaboration and efficiency Lead by example, embedding a

results-driven, safety-first, and "can-do" culture

across the facility

Person Specification

Proven track record of leading

multi-stream operations

in recycling, waste management, or a related industrial/manufacturing sector Strong knowledge of

Lean, Six Sigma, and Kanban

methodologies (formal certification preferred but not essential) Demonstrated success in implementing

KPI frameworks

and driving measurable performance improvements Solid understanding of recycling and waste management processes; WAMITAB qualification an advantage (training available if required) Strong financial and commercial acumen with experience in cost control and process optimization Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and data analysis tools In-depth knowledge of

Health, Safety, and Environmental legislation

Exceptional communicator with the ability to motivate, mentor, and influence at all levels Resilient, proactive, and strategic thinker with a focus on

operational excellence and long-term growth

Additional Information

Depending on applicant volume and location, initial interviews may be conducted via Zoom or another virtual meeting platform.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking Store discount
Experience:

Operations Management: 2 years (required) Waste Management Operations: 1 year (preferred) Microsoft Word & Excel: 2 years (required) Health, Safety & Environmental legislation: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

WAMITAB qualification (preferred)
Work Location: In person