Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve essential public services in Croydon, ensuring a clean and sustainable environment.
- Company: Croydon Council, dedicated to enhancing community outcomes and public trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, significant budget management, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Croydon while tackling climate resilience and community needs.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in public services with strong financial and operational expertise.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on delivering high-quality services for a diverse community.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Croydon is one of London’s largest and most diverse boroughs, home to more than 390,000 residents, with a proud civic history and a clear ambition to deliver better outcomes for its communities. The Council is operating in a challenging context, with significant financial pressures and high public expectations, but it is also at a point of renewal - focused on stability, delivery and rebuilding trust through consistently good public services.
We are now seeking a Director of Streets and Environment to lead a portfolio that sits at the very heart of residents’ everyday experience of Croydon. This is a senior, high-profile leadership role with responsibility for some of the Council’s most visible and operationally complex services, from waste and recycling, highways and traffic management, parks and open spaces, through to environmental health, licensing, parking, SEND transport and fleet management.
Reporting to the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery, you will lead a large and diverse directorate and be accountable for significant budgets, income streams and transformation activity. You will be expected to balance strong operational grip with long-term strategic thinking, ensuring services are safe, compliant and responsive, while also driving improvement, efficiency and value for money.
This is a role for someone who understands the realities of running large-scale public services in a complex urban environment. You will need to be comfortable working in a highly political and public-facing context, advising elected members with clarity and confidence, and working constructively with partners across London and beyond. You will also act as the Council’s senior professional lead across highways, traffic, environmental protection and waste, and as Croydon’s representative on the South London Waste Partnership.
Croydon has clear ambitions around climate resilience, net zero and environmental sustainability, and this role will play a central part in turning those ambitions into practical, deliverable action. At the same time, you will be responsible for maintaining the basics that matter most to residents: clean streets, reliable waste services, safe roads, well-managed parks and fair, proportionate regulation.
We are looking for an experienced senior leader, ideally from local government or a comparable public sector environment, with a strong track record of leading complex operational services at scale. You will bring sound financial judgement, experience of delivering savings and service improvement, and the ability to build and sustain high-performing, inclusive teams. Just as importantly, you will bring resilience, emotional intelligence and a collaborative leadership style, with a clear commitment to public service and to the people who live and work in Croydon.
Director of Streets and Environment in Croydon employer: GatenbySanderson
Contact Detail:
GatenbySanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Streets and Environment in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to local government or public services. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Croydon’s current challenges and successes. Show us you understand the local context and have ideas on how to tackle issues like waste management and environmental sustainability. We love candidates who come ready with solutions!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your leadership style and how it aligns with the Council’s goals. We’re looking for someone who can balance operational efficiency with strategic vision, so make sure you highlight your experience in both areas.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always keen to see candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Streets and Environment in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading complex operational services. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Director of Streets and Environment, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for someone with a collaborative leadership style. In your application, share examples of how you've built high-performing teams and fostered inclusivity. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our ambitious goals in Croydon.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application directly through our website at the link provided. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Director of Streets and Environment. Familiarise yourself with Croydon's current challenges and ambitions, especially around climate resilience and public service delivery. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led diverse teams in the past. Highlight examples where you've balanced operational efficiency with strategic thinking, as this is crucial for the role. Be ready to share how you foster collaboration and inclusivity within your teams.
✨Be Politically Savvy
Since this role involves working in a highly political environment, brush up on local government dynamics and current issues in Croydon. Think about how you would advise elected members and engage with partners across London. Being able to navigate these relationships will be key to your success.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to waste management, traffic, or environmental health. Prepare some scenarios based on your experience and think through your responses. This will show your problem-solving skills and readiness to tackle the complexities of the role.
