Operational Supervisor

Lanes Group plc is a leading nationwide utility services provider with c.5000 dedicated employees. Our diverse subsidiaries drive our success across various sectors, contributing to a remarkable turnover of over £700 million. We are committed to excellence and innovation, ensuring we provide industry leading services to our clients and stakeholders. Join us to be part of a dynamic and growing team that values diversity and fosters professional growth.

Department:

Yorkshire Water Tankering forms a key part of Lanes Group's wastewater and environmental services offering, providing specialist liquid waste management, tankering, jet-vac, and emergency response services across Northern England and Scotland. Operating from strategically located depots within the wider Lanes network, the division supports utility companies, industrial customers, local authorities, facilities management providers, and commercial businesses with both planned and reactive services.

The team utilises a fleet of high-performance vacuum tankers and jet vac units capable of handling hazardous and non-hazardous liquid waste, sludge, slurry, floodwater, and wastewater. Services range from routine tank emptying and interceptor cleaning through to large-scale emergency spill response and flood relief operations, delivered on a 24/7, 365-day basis.

Purpose of the role:

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in managing field-based teams, coordinating resources, driving performance, and ensuring excellent service delivery to our clients. This role requires a proactive individual who can lead by example, make informed decisions, and maintain high standards of safety and operational excellence.

Location: Leeds

Hours: 47.5 hours per week

Overtime: Paid at time and a half over standard hours

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise day-to-day tankering and jetting operations across framework contracts.
• Lead and support operational teams to ensure work is delivered safely, efficiently, and to the required quality standards.
• Manage daily resource allocation, including personnel, vehicles, and specialist equipment.
• Monitor operational performance against KPIs, SLAs, and contractual obligations.
• Conduct site visits, audits, and inspections to ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and company standards.
• Investigate incidents, near misses, and service failures, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Liaise with clients, framework partners, schedulers, and internal stakeholders to ensure effective communication and service delivery.
• Review operational data and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and cost efficiencies.
• Support employee development through coaching, training, and performance management.
• Ensure all documentation, reports, and compliance records are completed accurately and on time.
• Assist with emergency response activities and out-of-hours operational support when required.

Key Requirements

Skills & Experience:

• Previous supervisory or team leader experience within utilities, wastewater, drainage, tankering, jetting, construction, or a similar operational environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Excellent organisational and planning abilities.
• Experience managing operational performance and client expectations.
• Sound understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and operational management systems.
• Ability to work under pressure and make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable:

• Experience working on wastewater or clean water framework contracts.
• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent health and safety qualification.
• CPCS, EUSR, SHEA Water, or other industry-related qualifications.
• Knowledge of tanker and jetting operations.

Living the Company Values

By embedding our companies core values and purpose into each role, ensures that every employee, regardless of their role or level, understands how their individual development and contributions align with our purpose of ‘improving today for a better tomorrow’.

Each role and value has an alignment to set proficiency levels and expectations; this role holder is expected to:

• Leading: Acts as a role model, shaping the learning agenda and influencing change.
• Agile: Anticipates learning needs, adjusts quickly to changing operational contexts.
• Nurturing: Supports the development of others through coaching and structured development plans.
• Engaging: Inspires and motivates learners, builds trust and credibility
• Safe & Secure: Ensures all learning is aligned to safety and compliance standards.

Your Contribution to the company:

• Strive to be always positive and constructive
• Adhere to all company policies
• Straight talking about the facts of the situation – open discussions are the best way to find solutions
• Help others through communicating clearly
• Deliver on commitments
• Ensure that any ideas that may enhance the productivity or systems of the company are brought to the attention of Senior Management, or your colleagues
• Deliver our Company Values understanding that by working together in unity we are ‘Stronger Together’

Equality, Diversion & Inclusion 

At Lanes Group, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We believe that our differences make us stronger and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. Join us in our commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse world.