IKON Waste Management & Recycling services (IWS) are dedicated to advancing and elevating your sustainability goals. We partner with commercial and industrial clients to create and manage sustainable waste and resource recovery solutions.

Chief Operating Officer

We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to lead and optimise our Waste Management division, ensuring the delivery of safe, efficient, and innovative solutions for our customers and communities. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, leading large-scale operations, driving financial performance, and fostering a high-performance culture across the organisation.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this role will be responsible for the overall operational performance of the business, overseeing waste collection, resource recovery, recycling, processing facilities, transport logistics, fleet management, and customer service operations.

You will provide strategic leadership while ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, environmental responsibility, and sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

- Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with organisational objectives.
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation across all operational functions.
- Identify and implement opportunities for business growth, operational efficiencies, and service enhancement.
- Contribute to executive decision-making and long-term business planning.

Operational Management

- Lead the day-to-day operations of waste collection, transfer stations, recycling facilities, and resource recovery activities.
- Ensure service delivery meets customer expectations, contractual obligations, and performance targets.
- Optimise fleet utilisation, workforce planning, productivity, and cost management.
- Monitor operational KPIs and implement corrective actions where required.
- Manage operational budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditure programs.




- Deliver sustainable profitability through effective resource allocation and cost control.
- Support commercial activities including tender submissions, business development initiatives, and contract management.

Safety, Compliance & Environmental Management

- Champion a strong safety-first culture across all operations.
- Ensure compliance with all environmental, workplace health and safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Lead risk management initiatives and promote best-practice environmental outcomes.
- Inspire, coach, and develop senior operational leaders and management teams.
- Build a high-performing culture focused on accountability, engagement, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Drive leadership development and succession planning initiatives.

About You

- Extensive senior executive leadership experience within waste management, environmental services, transport, logistics, infrastructure, utilities, or a related industry.
- Proven success managing large, multi-site operational teams.
- Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated experience delivering financial and operational results.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience leading organisational transformation and continuous improvement programs.
- Strong understanding of workplace health and safety legislation and compliance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

- Tertiary qualifications in Business, Engineering, Environmental Science, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
- Postgraduate qualifications (MBA or equivalent) highly regarded.
- Knowledge of waste management, recycling, circular economy initiatives, and environmental sustainability practices.

What We Offer

- Executive leadership prospect within a growing and dynamic organisation.
- Competitive executive remuneration package including performance incentives.
- Opportunity to influence strategy and shape the future direction of the business.
- Collaborative and values-driven leadership environment.
- Commitment to innovation, sustainability, and professional development.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Chief Operating Officer (Melbourne)
🏢 Ikon Services
📍 Melbourne