CWM Environmental

29k - 30.5k

Pay range

high

Future demand

Skills

Leadership and Team Management
Excellent Customer Service and Communication Skills
Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental compliance
Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
Organisation and attention to detail
Ability to train, mentor, and develop team members
Operational planning and time management
Knowledge of waste segregation and resource recovery processes
Confidence using site systems, documentation, and compliance records

Qualifications

NPORS Category N209 (Loading Shovel)
IOSH Managing Safely
CIWM (WAMITAB) Level 2 Diploma for Sustainable Waste Management Operative

Career Roadmap

Kai Lewis

1/7

1st Battalion Welsh Guards British Army - Guardsman - 1996 -2002

Kai began his career serving in the Welsh Guards, where he developed discipline, resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills. His time in the Armed Forces provided a strong foundation in responsibility, problem-solving, and working effectively under pressure.

2/7

M+T Services - 2003 - 2005

Working through M+T Services, Kai gained valuable experience across a variety of roles at CWM Environmental. This gave him an insight into waste management operations and helped him build practical skills while adapting to different responsibilities across the business.

3/7

Sutton Brothers Builders - Labourer and General Builder - 2005 - 2011

Kai worked as a labourer and general builder, developing practical construction skills while working as part of a team on a range of building projects. The role strengthened his work ethic, communication skills, and ability to solve problems in a hands-on environment.

4/7

Self Employed Builder - 2011 - 2022

As a self-employed builder, Kai managed his own projects from start to finish, building strong skills in planning, customer service, budgeting, and time management. Running his own business also developed his confidence, responsibility, and ability to adapt to changing customer needs.

5/7

CWM Environmental - Household Waste Recycling Centre Recycling Advisor

Kai returned to CWM Environmental as a Recycling Advisor, supporting members of the public, promoting recycling best practice, and helping ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Household Waste Recycling Centre. This role marked the beginning of his career progression within the Circular Economy.

6/7

CWM Environmental - Household Waste Recycling Centre Team Leader - 2023 - 2024

Promoted to Team Leader, Kai took on responsibility for supervising site staff, maintaining health and safety standards, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the recycling centre. He also supported team development while continuing to deliver excellent customer service.

7/7

CWM Environmental - Commercial Recycling Centre Team Leader - 2024 - Present

Today, Kai leads the Commercial Recycling Centre at CWM Environmental’s Nantycaws site. He oversees daily operations, manages the site team, supports commercial customers, and ensures materials are processed safely and efficiently, helping maximise resource recovery and support the Circular Economy.

Job description

As a Commercial Recycling Centre Team Leader at CWM, I play a crucial role in ensuring our Commercial Recycling Centre operates safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. Based at our Nantycaws site, I lead a team responsible for receiving, processing, and managing commercial waste, helping maximise recycling and resource recovery. Alongside overseeing day-to-day operations, I support staff development, maintain compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation, and ensure every customer receives a professional service. It's a role that combines leadership, organisation, and problem-solving, all while supporting the wider Circular Economy.

My Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

Leading the day-to-day operations of the Commercial Recycling Centre
Supporting and supervising the site team to maintain high operational standards
Ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental legislation, and site permits
Providing excellent customer service to commercial customers and contractors
Checking waste documentation and ensuring waste is processed correctly
Maximising recycling by ensuring waste is correctly segregated and free from contamination
Coordinating with transport teams and external contractors to keep operations running smoothly
Carrying out staff training, inductions, and refresher sessions
Monitoring site performance and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement

My Journey to Where I Am Now:

Throughout my career, I've developed experience in operational environments where teamwork, organisation, and customer service have always been essential. Joining CWM Environmental gave me the opportunity to build my knowledge of waste management and the Circular Economy while developing my leadership skills. By taking on increasing responsibility and gaining experience across site operations, I progressed into my current role as Commercial Recycling Centre Team Leader, where I now lead a team and help ensure the site operates safely, efficiently, and delivers the highest level of service.

Key Attributes for Success in My Role:

Strong leadership and team management skills
Excellent communication and customer service
Good knowledge of health, safety, and environmental compliance
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
Confidence making decisions in a fast-paced operational environment
Ability to train, mentor, and develop colleagues
Problem-solving skills and the ability to respond quickly to operational challenges
A proactive approach to continuous improvement
Commitment to delivering excellent service while supporting the Circular Economy