About Us

Join us at Cleanaway and contribute to making a sustainable future possible, together.

We transform waste into resources and renewable energy.  When you start to think of waste as a resource, it opens a world of possibilities.

As a high growth, ASX listed organisation with over 10,000 employees, our goal is to be recognised by our customers as the most innovative and sustainable waste management company with industry leading HSE performance.  We are Australia’s largest company in this sector, providing essential services to millions of customers and communities nationally.

The Opportunity

This is not a typical operational role — it’s a chance to take ownership of the Deer Park-based landfill, a high- volume, 24/7 facility that plays a vital role in enabling Greater Melbourne to function every day.   An opportunity to lead the largest landfill in the Southern Hemisphere, you will lead diverse teams, guide long-range planning and embed best practice operational standards across safety, environmental compliance, engineering controls, and site optimisation.

The scale, community importance, and technical complexity of this asset demand a leader of exceptional calibre: someone who is people-focused, thrives on challenge, thinks strategically, and balances commercial acumen with a deep commitment to environmental and community outcomes. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of a significant landfill site, ensuring safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Implement and maintain effective safety systems and environmental controls.
• Manage and develop site teams, including workforce planning, leave coverage, and fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.
• Oversee landfill cell development, filling strategies and optimisation of airspace, including leachate and landfill gas systems.
• Deliver a strong onsite customer experience, including for internal Cleanaway stakeholders.
• Proactively resolve operational issues while maintaining service delivery and regulatory compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, efficiency and cost management, including capital works initiatives.
• Lead site-based initiatives aligned to broader departmental strategy.

About You

• Tertiary qualified in Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• Senior operational leader with demonstrated experience leading landfills or similarly complex, asset‑intensive industrial or manufacturing operations within a highly regulated environment.
• Proven capability to build, lead and develop high‑performing teams, including the effective coordination of site‑based employees and contractors.
• Strong working knowledge of environmental compliance, regulatory requirements, and operational governance frameworks.
• Solutions-driven with the ability to confidently manage day‑to‑day operational challenges in dynamic environments.
• Demonstrated track record of identifying and embedding continuous improvement initiatives; experience with LEAN or similar methodologies will be highly regarded.
• Strong commercial acumen, with a focus on improving operational performance, managing cost drivers, and delivering efficiency gains.

Why join Cleanaway? 

• Attractive salary package
• Career development opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Great company benefits: Annual employee share plan offer, novated leasing, optional flu vaccinations, EAP access, discounts on private health insurance, company discounts + much more! 

Our Process

Our recruitment process involves a number of checks including, but not limited to, criminal history, medicals, drug & alcohol testing, as well as verification of qualifications, licences and right-to-work status.

All internal applicants will receive a notification within 2 weeks of the closing date of this advertisement.  

We are dedicated to improving employment outcomes and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also welcome candidates of all ages, abilities, gender identities, experiences (including veterans), and cultural backgrounds.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us by emailing inclusion@cleanaway.com.au.

Join us on our exciting journey towards a sustainable future.

Simply click the Apply button or visit https://www.cleanaway.com.au/about-us/careers and let's make a positive impact together.

#LI-MKT