Land Operations Manager in Chelmsford

The Land Operations Manager is a key leadership role requiring extensive technical expertise in landfill operations to ensure the County Council meets its environmental responsibilities in relation to the management of closed landfill sites. Leading a team of three technical professionals, together with a range of specialist contractors, the postholder will oversee the restoration and aftercare of Essex County Council's closed landfill portfolio and be responsible for managing annual restoration expenditure of up to £1 million, with a direct impact on budget performance.

Drawing on significant experience within the waste disposal sector, particularly in relation to closed landfill sites, the successful candidate will identify and maximise opportunities for income generation through landfill gas energy schemes and the provision of landfill aftercare services to other local authorities.

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Accountabilities

• Manage the preparation of briefs for the design and manage the implementation of works covering restoration and aftercare of landfill sites, management of leachate and landfill gas production and electricity generation.
• Accountable for the reporting, investigation and remediation of levels of pollution, including obtaining all planning permissions and licences as necessary.
• Responsible for management of direct labour and contractors to monitor and treat pollutants from landfill sites, including gas and leachate treatment/disposal.
• Responsible for arranging contracts for restoration of closed Council landfill sites to comply with planning permissions.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners/agencies (non-environmental) to implement and manage restored sites for the benefit of the local community.
• Develop and maintain a regime for continuous environmental monitoring of all Council disposal facilities, to prevent environmental pollution from the site and instigate remedial action if required.
• Responsible for implementing a rota for the regular environmental monitoring of closed County Council landfill sites, recording their environmental performance.
• Provide technical engineering skills and knowledge to support projects across the wider Council and advice relating to contaminated land matters.
• Develop opportunities to offer services across the Council and external partners, such as local authorities or the private sector.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Educated to RQF level 6 (Bachelor’s) qualification or equivalent by appropriate experience in Civil Engineering or similar. With a Certificate of Technical Competence Level 4 – Landfill – Non Hazardous Waste or equivalent.
• Evidence of continued professional development with expert knowledge in relevant professional area and current Membership of CIWM.
• Deep understanding of the operation and maintenance of mechanical/electronic equipment dealing with landfill gas and leachate.
• Experience in the successful application of programme management tools and techniques, in the context of major corporate projects.
• Awareness and understanding of the latest equipment, methods and techniques used in the aftercare of landfill sites.
• Proven ability to analyse complex data sets to develop solutions.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience of managing Health and Safety with a focus on landfill sites and recycling centres.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we are dedicated to making a positive difference for residents, communities and businesses across the county. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In March 2026, Greater Essex was accepted on to the devolution priority programme, where we will work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority. You can read more about these changes, and what this may mean for this role, on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

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If you have queries or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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