Operations Manager - Northwich - Salary DOE

Dahlia recruitment is partnered with an expanding Renewable Energy business to recruit for a Feedstock and Operations Manager, responsible for managing, and optimising all feedstock materials required to operate in the main facility. This role ensures a consistent, high-quality supply of biomass while maintaining regulatory compliance, sustainability standards, and strong supplier relationship whilst working within a prescribed Feedstock Supply Agreement. The role will suit a candidate with strong Operational / Logistics experience with the ability to communicate and manage supply chain relationships. Training on Feedstock can be provided.

Key Responsibilities include

• Feedstock Procurement & Supply Chain Management
• Work with and build strong relationships with the business feedstock supplier.
• Manage and report feedstock delivery management with the Feedstock supplier and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain a robust and safe feedstock delivery chain to ensure consistent plant operation and avoid shortages.
• Forecast weekly monthly and annual feedstock requirements based on plant capacity and performance targets and communicate internally and to Feedstock supplier.
• Feedstock Quality Assurance
• Working with Senior Lab technician, sample and monitor feedstock characteristics (e.g., moisture content, contamination levels, biogas potential).
• Coordinate with site Lab Technician sampling, testing, and quality-control procedures of supplied feedstock.
• Ensure incoming materials meet the plant’s technical specifications and sustainability standards.
• Implement corrective actions with suppliers when quality issues arise.
• Logistics & Operations Coordination
• Plan and oversee feedstock deliveries, transportation schedules, and on-site offloading.
• Work closely with operations teams to maintain optimal feedstock blends for stable digester performance.
• Manage inventory levels and ensure traceability of all incoming materials.
• Supplier & Stakeholder Management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the feedstock suppliers and local authorities.
• Conduct supplier audits, site visits, and performance reviews in support of site compliance manager.
• Promote best practices for waste segregation and pre-treatment among internal and external users.
• Compliance & Reporting
• Working with Operations Compliance Manager ensure compliance with environmental, waste-handling, and sustainability regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of feedstock volumes, sources, quality parameters, and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Prepare reports for internal teams, regulators, and auditors.
• Continuous Improvement & Sustainability
• As and when required integrate into the evaluation of any new feedstock opportunities and innovative sourcing strategies.
• Support research into feedstock optimisation and biogas yield improvements.
• Contribute to sustainability initiatives, including carbon footprint reduction and circular economy projects

Experience required

• Experience in anaerobic digestion, waste management, agriculture, bioenergy, or related fields would be highly advantageous.
• Negotiation, communication, and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to work with data, sampling results, and quality specifications.
• Previous experience managing feedstock procurement or supply chains.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks (e.g., waste permitting, environmental compliance).

Key Competencies

• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Supplier and stakeholder engagement
• Strong organizational and planning abilities
• Commercial awareness
• Safety and environmental compliance mindset
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams
• Familiar with a number of computer applications.
• Good interpersonal skills, self motivated, flexible and committed attitude.
• Communication and motivational skills
• Strong understanding of anaerobic digestion processes and microbial activity.
• Competence in analytical testing and data interpretation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or data management tools; experience with LIMS preferred.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently under minimal supervision.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a new venture and can offer training and career progression. The business also offer a competitive salary and strong benefits package.