Sludge Manager - Remote Opportunity with Yorkshire Water

About the Role

Join Yorkshire Water as a Sludge Manager and take on a pivotal role in our Bioresources team. This Sludge Manager position offers a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing team while working remotely. You'll be responsible for optimizing sludge logistics operations and ensuring the delivery of critical services that keep our network running smoothly.

What You'll Do

• Lead and inspire the Sludge Logistics Team, fostering a high-performance culture with clear expectations and meaningful recognition.
• Manage major logistics, treatment, and recycling contracts to ensure efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Oversee sludge logistics budgets and forecasting, identifying opportunities for cost reduction and strategic investment.
• Deliver improvement projects aimed at eliminating reactive tankering overspend, targeting a reduction of £1.5 million per year.
• Champion Health & Safety by leading investigations, audits, and proactive engagement across teams and contractors.
• Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and third-party providers, leading performance reviews and resolving operational issues.
• Drive improvements in sludge performance, compliance with Waste Carrier Licence responsibilities, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Act as the escalation lead for operational incidents and customer concerns, ensuring timely and positive outcomes.
• Lead technology, process, and innovation projects to enhance service resilience and support Yorkshire Water’s sludge strategy.
• Provide strategic volume forecasting and long-term planning to ensure regional logistics resilience.

Requirements

• Proven leadership skills with a focus on motivating technical teams and creating a thriving culture.
• Strong relationship-building capabilities with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
• Experience in managing budgets, resources, and complex contracts to deliver real value.
• Excellent communication skills to inspire and influence meaningful business change.
• Passionate about maintaining exceptional Health & Safety standards across teams and providers.
• Experience in operational or regulated environments, comfortable navigating commercial and technical challenges.
• Strong fleet logistics experience, including planning, scheduling, and fleet management, with proficiency in technology such as SAP and Power BI.

Nice to Have

• Experience in commercial business planning and resource management.
• Familiarity with environmental legislation and its implications on water management.
• Knowledge of innovative technologies in sludge management.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary up to £60,000, depending on experience.
• Company car allowance scheme and annual incentive related bonus (up to 15% of annual salary).
• Private healthcare and attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution).
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and an extra wellness day.
• Access to a range of benefits including health cash plan, critical illness insurance, and gym membership discounts.
• Flexible working patterns and job share options to support work-life balance.