At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering essential recycling and refuse services across Colchester.
- Company: Join a supportive council team dedicated to environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, discounts at popular retailers, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of exciting changes in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while advancing your career in a vital service.
- Qualifications: Management qualification or relevant experience, plus a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Contract Type: 12 month fixed-term/secondment
Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday 0600-16.30 hrs, on a shift basis with weekend working as required
Location: Civic Offices including Shrub End Depot and homeworking
Closing date: 27 July 2026
About us
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and resourceful individual to join our highly successful Recycling and Refuse Team. The Recycling, Refuse & Fleet Service is delivered in-house from our Shrub End depot, serving over 89,000 households across Colchester. With a dedicated workforce of more than 150 employees and a fleet of 50 vehicles, this is one of the Council’s most vital services—touching the lives of every resident in our city.
2026 and 2027 is a pivotal period for the Service as we implement major changes to meet the needs of Colchester, a growing, vibrant, newly designated city, while navigating an increasingly challenging financial landscape. At the same time, we are preparing for upcoming legislative reforms, advancing our environmental ambitions, and ensuring the Service is ready for Local Government Reform. Thanks to our hardworking and passionate team, this period promises to be both exciting and transformative—and you will play a key role in leading the way.
We have an ambitious programme to deliver, underpinned by our new waste strategy, which will see the service rolling out wheeled bins for kerbside collections and implementing the Government's plans for ‘Simpler Recycling’, whilst implementing changes in operations, including training for crews, new vehicles and technology. There will also be updates to Trade Waste services and new collection methods to be implemented between now and March 2027.
Responsibilities
- Lead as part of a high performing and flexible team that are empowered to deliver services across Colchester
- Manage, direct and monitor services delivered by teams working across the Recycling and Refuse teams
- Ensure all employee Health and Safety and requirements are adhered to and undertaken
- Be responsible for the line management of a proportion of the workforce, proactively contributing to improving service standards and performance
- Deploy the service as the duty manager on a rotational basis alongside the other Neighbourhood Managers working a combination of 6am shifts, as well as hybrid working
Why work with us?
We pride ourselves on our inclusive and supportive staff culture. As a member of the team, you would have access to various benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Discounts and cashback on purchases at many nationwide services and retailers
Qualifications, skills and experience
Applicants must have:
- A management qualification (ILM Level 3 or higher or equivalent) or relevant experience
- An understanding of waste and environmental legislation
- Experience of working in a fast-paced, operational environment
- A full UK driving licence
We are committed to investing in the learning and development of our employees and prefer applicants to have:
- Positive, polite, and professional attitude
- Experience in inspiring, motivating, empowering, and enabling others
- Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal
- A good level of resilience
- A proven track record in managing team performance and attendance
- Experience of leading and implementing change
- Experience of using Microsoft Office365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Organisational and cultural awareness, diplomacy, and tact
Neighbourhood Manager (Recycling and Refuse) in Colchester employer: Colchester City Council
Colchester City Council is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises community wellbeing and employee development. With flexible hours, comprehensive training opportunities, and attractive benefits such as free gym membership and generous annual leave, this role allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment in the heart of Colchester.
