Mark Harley
Hertford,Hertfordshire
Summary
I am a confident and professional industry leader with nearly two decades of experience in the waste management sector. I have a proven ability to successfully adapt to new and challenging situations within the commercial, development, sales and bid/tender management areas of the waste management and recycling industry.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work history
National Commercial & Development Manager
Biffa Waste Services
08.2023 - 08.2025
- Responsible for leading a team of Commercial Managers across Biffa’s nationwide Landfill, Treatment and Organics Treatment portfolio.
- This is a sales driven role whose primary objective is to source and maintain client’s feedstock waste material that would be suitable for treatment via MRFs, Anaerobic Digestion, Composting, Aggregate Treatment, Landfill, ERF and Soil Treatment.
- I successfully manage both a commercial sector and Local Authority client base that generates revenues of £100 million per annum.
- I am responsible for Divisional development strategy and work with key internal and external stakeholders and suppliers to commercially manage and make key decisions on new projects in line with Group growth plans.
- I also have the overall responsibility to manage Biffa’s bid and tender management program for Local Authority waste treatment procurement opportunities across the UK.
- I am able to secure and retain new commercial business across the portfolio utilising my professional negotiation skills.
- My strong communication skills have enabled me to form important industry relationships with key waste management suppliers over my career throughout the UK.
- As part of the Senior Leadership Team I regularly report to Biffa’s Executive team on business performance, budgeting and forecasting, government policy, the competitive environment and market conditions.
- Most recently I have been part of Biffa’s Simpler Recycling taskforce ensuring roll-out for the Commercial sector is on track for the regulatory changes focusing on recyclates, soft plastics and food waste management solutions.
National Development Manager
Biffa Waste Services
10.2014 - 07.2023
- Responsible for new waste treatment commercial development projects and local authority bids and tenders.
- This included liaising with Government and Regulatory bodies surrounding the strategic development of residual waste treatment facilities, composting, food waste treatment and rail infrastructure for waste movements throughout the UK.
- This role had the requirement to supply clients with complex and bespoke waste treatment reports whose information was utilised for Biffa’s Group and shareholder reporting.
- Selected personal achievements/contract awards:
- Milton Keynes Council - Food and Garden Waste Treatment– 2023 to 2026 – 25,000 tonnes p.a
- Arc21/Northern Ireland – Residual Waste Disposal – 2020 to present – 100,000 tonnes p.a
- Commercial Clients – UK Wide – Residual Waste Disposal – 2023 to present 120,000 tonnes p.a
- Leeds City Council - Garden Waste Treatment– 2023 to 2029 - 20,000 tonnes p.a.
- Staffordshire County Council - Food Waste Treatment DPS – 2025/6 - 10,000 tonnes p.a
- Coventry City Council – Food and Garden Waste Treatment – 2021 to 2025 - 20,000 tonnes p.a
- Biffa Salesperson Of The Year - 2018
Senior Regional Manager
Biffa Waste Services
04.2014 - 09.2014
- Promoted to head Biffa’s award-winning Integrated Resource Management Division.
- During this six-month contract I was able to restructure and successfully reallocate non-profitable elements of this sustainability focused waste and recycling business whilst winning £3 million worth of new business.
- I was responsible for a team of 20 contract managers, 50 site operators and large client base with an annual turnover of £32 million.
Commercial Manager
Biffa Waste Services
08.2008 - 03.2014
- I had responsibility for all aspects of the commercial, sales and contractual management of over 1.5 million tonnes of waste and recyclate per year.
- A large part of my role involved completing and managing the PQQ and tender document process for Local Authority disposal, treatment, EfW, recycling and composting contracts.
- I lead the team to success in negotiating multi-million pound municipal disposal and treatment contracts with Hertfordshire CC, Warwickshire CC, Surrey CC and Arc 21 in Northern Ireland.
- I am passionate about Sustainable Waste Management and studied this subject to MSc level.
- I have an in-depth knowledge of legislation and operational management surrounding waste collection, transfer, transport and treatment.
- I also have extensive experience managing hazardous and organic waste throughout the UK and was successful in providing value for money management solutions for industrial, commercial and municipal clients during this period.
Site Operations & Treatment Manager
Biffa Waste Services
05.2007 - 08.2008
- I had full P&L responsibility for a hazardous waste landfill site that incorporated power generation with annual revenues of £4 million.
- My main responsibilities included: financial and budgetary reporting and assessment, health and safety of staff and customers, government agency liaison, commercial negotiation and staff training.
- During this period I successfully implemented an accredited environmental management system.
Grant Officer
Energy Saving Trust
02.2007 - 05.2007
- This position involved the allocation of £60 million worth of government grants to industry and households for the installation of renewable energy technology.
Education
Master of Science Degree - Sustainability & Environmental Management
Staffordshire University
BA Honours Degree - Business Administration
University of Hertfordshire
Skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to write and deliver first class presentations
- Excellent organisational skills
- Well regarded leader
- Expert client negotiator
- Skill to balance multiple responsibilities
Custom
- Played guitar in a rock band from 1996-2002, touring the UK, US & Europe.
- Passion for music and attending gigs and music festivals.
- Interest in sports, playing football, golf, and long-distance running.
- Coaching son’s youth football team.
- Part of a local pub quiz team.
Timeline
National Commercial & Development Manager
Biffa Waste Services
08.2023 - 08.2025
National Development Manager
Biffa Waste Services
10.2014 - 07.2023
Senior Regional Manager
Biffa Waste Services
04.2014 - 09.2014
Commercial Manager
Biffa Waste Services
08.2008 - 03.2014
Site Operations & Treatment Manager
Biffa Waste Services
05.2007 - 08.2008
Grant Officer
Energy Saving Trust
02.2007 - 05.2007
BA Honours Degree - Business Administration
University of Hertfordshire
Master of Science Degree - Sustainability & Environmental Management
Staffordshire University
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