Senior Operations Director

Company Description

Veolia  is the European market leader in the treatment and recycling of hazardous waste and contaminated sites. Since 1975, we have been meeting the urgent needs for hazardous industrial waste treatment to protect the environment and human health.  With four locations in Switzerland, we treat and recover hazardous waste in order to prevent any dilution or dispersal into the environment.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Operations Director to lead operations across our hazardous waste management facilities in Switzerland. The role encompasses oversight of collection, pre-treatment, treatment, and incineration activities across 4 sites. The ideal candidate will drive operational excellence while fostering a strong safety culture and ensuring environmental compliance.  He/she will report to the CEO Switzerland

Key responsibilities :

Direct operational strategy and execution across all hazardous waste treatment facilities, Basel, Emmenbrucke, Rubigen & Brugg.

• Lead and develop site managers and their teams (approximately 100+ employees)
• Drive operational excellence initiatives and continuous improvement programs
• Ensure compliance with Swiss and EU environmental regulations
• Manage operational budgets and capital expenditure projects
• Optimize plant performance, maintenance, and reliability
• Coordinate with various stakeholders (regulatory bodies, local authorities, corporate headquarters)
• Implement and maintain safety protocols and environmental standards
• Lead change management initiatives and digital transformation projects

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in industrial operations, with at least 5 years in hazardous waste management
• Proven track record in multi-site operations management
• Fluent in English and German, French would be an asset
• Strong knowledge of European / Swiss environmental regulations and safety standards
• Experience in operational excellence methodologies e.g. Lean Management
• Demonstrated project management capabilities

Leadership Competencies:

• Outstanding people management skills across all organizational levels
• Ability to build strong relationships with blue and white-collar workers
• Excellence in stakeholder management and communication
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Change management expertise
• Strong intercultural awareness and sensitivity

Additional Information

• Willingness to regularly travel between sites across Switzerland
• Eligibility Swiss work permit
• Driver's license

Have we sparked your interest? Then we look forward to getting to know you and receiving your complete application documents via our online-platform.

As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.