Interim Head of Waste and Street Scene
Interim Head of Waste and Street Scene

Interim Head of Waste and Street Scene

Temporary 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
GatenbySanderson

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead environmental and neighbourhood operations, tackling waste, street cleansing, and community issues.
  • Company: A dynamic single-tier authority focused on transforming local services.
  • Benefits: Opportunity to make a visible impact in the community and develop leadership skills.
  • Why this job: Shape a cleaner, safer environment while leading a passionate team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in environmental services and strong leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Join us for a 6-month contract with significant visibility and influence.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

An exciting opportunity to lead all environmental and neighbourhoods operations of a complex single tier authority.

Contract Length: Up to 6 months

Essential duties

  • You will lead a wide and high‑profile set of services including:
  • Waste and recycling services
  • Street cleansing and environmental response
  • Parks and open spaces
  • Neighbourhood operations and environmental crime enforcement including area‑based patrols tackling ASB and environmental crime

The role requires a confident, visible and politically astute leader. You will work closely with Cabinet Members and senior stakeholders, particularly during a period of heightened political interest. You will bring clarity, grip and strategic direction; ensure robust contract management; and maintain a strong focus on operational performance and financial discipline. You will lead strong established teams, ensuring they are supported, well‑directed and operating at pace to deliver visible improvements for residents.

Experience required

  • We are looking for a senior operational leader who can hit the ground running during this interim period with:
  • Significant experience in environmental, neighbourhood or large frontline services
  • Strong contract management expertise, ideally within waste or environmental services
  • Credibility working in politically complex environments
  • Proven financial management capability within constrained budgets
  • Experience leading large multidisciplinary teams and driving performance
  • A collaborative and engaging leadership style that builds trust across partners, members and communities

About the employer

Environmental and Neighbourhood Operations sit at the centre of this complex authority's transformational journey and are the shop window to residents and how they experience the area each day. We are now seeking an experienced leader to take responsibility for this critical portfolio and help shape a cleaner, safer and more resilient authority.

Further information

If you are motivated by the opportunity to lead a portfolio with significant visibility and impact we would be pleased to receive your application. For further details or a confidential discussion, please contact Delphine.swanson-brown@gatenbysanderson.com. Please note that due to the number of applications we receive, only successful applicants will be contacted.

Interim Head of Waste and Street Scene employer: GatenbySanderson

As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and engaging work culture that empowers our leaders to make a tangible impact in the community. With a focus on professional growth and development, we offer unique opportunities to lead high-profile environmental initiatives while working closely with key stakeholders in a politically dynamic environment. Join us in shaping a cleaner, safer, and more resilient authority, where your leadership will be instrumental in delivering visible improvements for residents.
GatenbySanderson

Contact Detail:

GatenbySanderson Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Waste and Street Scene

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the environmental and neighbourhood sectors. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet key players. Remember, it’s all about who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the authority's recent projects and challenges. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but someone who understands their needs and can bring strategic direction right from day one.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that interim role!

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Waste and Street Scene

Leadership
Contract Management
Operational Performance
Financial Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Team Management
Strategic Direction
Environmental Services Expertise
Political Acumen
Collaboration
Problem-Solving
Community Engagement
Performance Driving
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in environmental and neighbourhood operations. We want to see how your skills align with the specific duties mentioned in the job description.

Showcase Your Leadership Style: Since this role requires a confident and politically astute leader, don’t forget to share examples of your collaborative leadership style. We’re keen to know how you’ve built trust and driven performance in previous roles.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Be sure to emphasise your significant experience in managing large frontline services and your expertise in contract management. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it clear how your background fits the bill.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!

How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the role. Brush up on your knowledge of waste and recycling services, street cleansing, and environmental crime enforcement. Being able to discuss these areas confidently will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.

✨Show Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative and engaging leadership style. Think about times when you’ve built trust with teams or stakeholders, especially in politically complex environments. This will demonstrate that you can lead effectively in this role.

✨Financial Savvy is Key

Be ready to discuss your experience with financial management, particularly within constrained budgets. Have specific examples at hand that showcase how you’ve maintained operational performance while managing costs. This will be crucial for the role.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Don’t just answer questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges and priorities. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also invested in the organisation’s success.

Interim Head of Waste and Street Scene
GatenbySanderson

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>