Shift Team Leader

Overview

As Shift Team Leader at Viridor’s Exeter ERF, you will steer safe, high‑performing shift operations to maximise waste throughput and energy output. You’ll lead a multi‑discipline team, optimise plant availability against KPIs, and ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental requirements. You play a pivotal role in incident response, risk management, and continuous improvement of the site. This role offers hands‑on leadership in a nationwide energy from waste network with a focus on safety and performance.

Pay / Benefits

• salary 65,363 per year
• shift allowance
• annual bonus scheme
• great range of benefits
• opportunity to work in a leading UK ERF network

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the shift team to maximise plant availability and performance against KPIs
• Maximise throughput and energy output while maintaining safe and compliant operations
• Act as Senior Authorised Person (SAP) and manage Safe System of Work (Permits to Work and safety documents)
• Ensure activities comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations and site procedures
• Carry out and review risk assessments; supervise contractors on site
• Provide inductions for visitors and contractors on safety and emergency procedures
• Monitor plant performance and ensure compliance with the site’s EPR permit
• Oversee planned maintenance in CMMS and ensure records are complete
• Identify and report plant defects; follow up with appropriate actions
• Complete incident reports and lead investigations when required
• Act as Incident Controller during emergencies and unit exercises
• Regularly test site emergency, safety, and environmental procedures
• Organise shift cover, including weekend shifts as needed
• Support team development through briefings, performance reviews, and return‑to‑work discussions
• Encourage continuous improvement and collaborative problem solving with the wider management team
• Respond professionally to operational issues and stakeholder concerns
• Ensure quality standards and operational parameters are met

Key requirements

• Previous process or power plant experience
• Strong understanding of health, safety and environmental requirements in process/power generation
• Experience with Safe Systems of Work and issuing Permits to Work
• Knowledge of maintenance management systems (CMMS)
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
• Effective verbal and written communication at all levels
• Ability to lead briefings, shift handovers, and produce clear reports
• Good IT skills
• Engineering qualification such as ONC/HNC
• Recognised health and safety qualification (IOSH or NEBOSH) is recommended
• Experience coordinating shift personnel and contractors
• Knowledge of IPPC/environmental permitting
• Experience using CMMS systems
• SAP competency covering mechanical, HV and LV electrical safety

• leadership and people management
• clear communication and reporting
• problem-solving orientation
• Safe Systems of Work
• Permits to Work
• CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management System)

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