Head of Environment UK

Head of Environment UK
Location: Nationwide, with a core focus across the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North West
Travel: Regular UK travel, with occasional support for two sites in the Netherlands

We are looking for an experienced Head of Environment UK to lead environmental compliance and improvement across Panda’s Collections, Operations and Processing sites.

This is a visible, hands-on role combining technical environmental leadership, regular site engagement and data-led insight. You will work closely with operational teams to strengthen standards, reduce risk and ensure the business remains ahead of regulatory and industry expectations.

What You’ll Be Doing
As Head of Environment UK, you will:

Act as Panda’s technical lead for environmental compliance
Develop and improve environmental standards, procedures and guidance
Support the Environmental Director in delivering the environmental strategy
Visit sites regularly, providing practical advice and building environmental capability
Lead environmental risk reviews, audits and assurance activity
Maintain effective relationships with the Environment Agency, regulators and other external stakeholders
Monitor changes in legislation, emerging risks and industry best practice
Use environmental data to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities
Produce clear reports, dashboards and recommendations for senior leadership
Lead or support investigations into environmental incidents and high-potential events
Share learning and embed stronger controls across the business
Coach managers and operational teams on environmental responsibilities
Work closely with Environment Business Partners, SHEQ teams and operational leadersAbout You
We are looking for a credible and experienced environmental professional who can turn complex requirements into practical operational solutions.
You will bring:
At least eight years’ experience within the waste management industry
Strong knowledge of environmental legislation, permitting and regulatory compliance
Experience of waste classification, duty of care and environmental risk management
Experience working with the Environment Agency and other external stakeholders
The ability to lead investigations, identify root causes and implement improvements
Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn data into clear actions
Confidence communicating with frontline teams, operational managers and senior leaders
A practical, visible and collaborative leadership style
A bachelor’s degree, NEBOSH Environmental Diploma or equivalent qualificationA WAMITAB Level 4 qualification and professional membership would be advantageous. You should be willing to complete WAMITAB Level 4 if you do not already hold it.

This Head of Environment UK opportunity offers the chance to influence environmental performance across a large operational business and help shape safer, more sustainable and consistently compliant ways of working.

We are Panda. We value waste.
We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste.

Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve.

At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together.

We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward.

We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make.

And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing.

Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact.

Take the first step and join us on the journey.
 
Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.
(DE&I Policy Statement)