The Role
Lead dynamic frontline services, drive environmental sustainability, and make a direct impact on the vibrant communities of Hackney!
About the Role
Are you an ambitious, visionary leader looking to shape the future of urban environmental services? Hackney Council is seeking an exceptional Assistant Director – Environmental Operations and Behaviour Change to lead our high-profile frontline teams and pioneer innovative, community-focused solutions.
In this pivotal senior leadership role (SM2 tier), you will oversee a massive frontline operational engine comprising up to 650 dedicated staff, a gross revenue budget of £45.7m, and high-impact services that touch the daily lives of every resident and business in Hackney. From Refuse & Recycling, Street Cleansing, and Commercial Services to Fleet.
Management and pioneering Behaviour Change campaigns, you will be at the heart of making Hackney a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable borough.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic & Operational Leadership: Provide overarching direction for 24/7 environmental operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery across street cleansing, waste collection, estate cleansing, and commercial waste.
- Drive Behaviour Change: Execute data-led strategies to engage residents and businesses, driving recycling rates, reducing waste, and fostering long-term environmental responsibility.
About Us
- Commercial Growth & Innovation: Expand commercial services to generate revenue, optimize resource management, and lead digital transformation across route planning and customer engagement.
- Asset & Fleet Management: Direct operations at Millfields Depot and Waste Transfer Station, maintaining full compliance with safety, statutory regulations, and Operator’s Licence standards.
- People & Partnerships: Inspire a multi-tiered frontline workforce, foster positive union relations, and collaborate with strategic partners like the North London Waste Authority.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven senior leadership experience managing complex, multi-million-pound environmental or logistics operations.
- Strong technical expertise in fleet operator licensing, high-risk operational environments (SSOW), and statutory waste legislation.
- A track record of managing large frontline workforces, navigating union relations, and leading through change.
Outstanding communication skills, political acumen, and a passion for embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion into everything you do.
Why Join Us?
Hackney is one of London’s most vibrant, diverse, and forward-thinking boroughs. This is a rare opportunity to lead dedicated teams, innovate frontline public services, and champion real environmental change at a transformative scale.
Ready to lead the change? Apply now to join Hackney Council’s Senior Leadership Team!
Key Accountabilities
As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.
If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.
We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.
To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.
As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.
We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.
This application process replaces a supporting statement.
This Post is subject to a Standard DBS check.
Closing date for applications: 15 November 2026 (22:59)
Interview and assessment date: 07 December 2026
Skills & experience
We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud. In order to achieve this, we are seeking individuals who embody our "PROUD" values: Purpose and Respect, where we foster belonging through active inclusion, kindness, and open dialogue; Ownership, where we champion proactive collaboration and accountability for our shared success; and Unity and Diversity, where we work as one Council to break down silos and champion anti-racist behavior.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk
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Assistant Director- Environmental Services & Behaviour Change in London employer: HACKNEY COUNCIL
Hackney Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As part of the SHEQ team, you will have access to continuous training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on community safety. Located in the vibrant borough of Hackney, you'll enjoy a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.
