At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a new Environmental Health service, managing teams and improving community responses.
- Company: Join a large public sector organisation making a real impact in Birmingham.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and the chance to influence public services.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a politically significant environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming frontline services and leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: Experience in Environmental Health or related fields with strong leadership skills.
A large public sector organisation is seeking an experienced Interim Operations Manager to lead a new and evolving Environmental Health service at a pivotal time of change. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future delivery of frontline public realm services within a politically high-profile environment. The successful candidate will oversee the creation and management of a new Local Investigations Team, designed to provide a flexible, multi-disciplinary response to issues affecting local communities across waste, highways, parking enforcement, environmental health and related services.
Alongside managing this new function, you will lead a review of the existing Pest Control Service, evaluating operating models, referral pathways, prioritisation processes, productivity and procurement options, helping to build a long-awaited business case for transformation and future investment. This is very much a blank canvas role for someone who enjoys designing services, creating operational frameworks and driving collaboration across multiple teams.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and manage the newly established Local Investigations Team, developing effective systems, processes and performance management frameworks.
- Design referral pathways, escalation routes and operating procedures to support multi-service responses to complex frontline issues.
- Work closely with Environmental Health, Waste, Highways, Parking Enforcement and other services to improve collaboration and service delivery.
- Manage councillor enquiries, community concerns and high-profile incidents, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
- Lead the operational review and transformation of the Pest Control Service, including service structure, workflow management, prioritisation and procurement opportunities.
- Develop performance measures and evaluation frameworks to assess service effectiveness and inform future delivery models.
- Provide leadership, coaching and support to operational teams, strengthening performance management and service standards.
- Support the Head of Environmental Health on strategic priorities and service improvement initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with elected members, senior stakeholders, partner organisations and local communities.
We are looking for an experienced operational leader who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on service improvement delivery. You will have:
- Significant management experience within Environmental Health, Regulatory Services, Waste, Public Realm or a related local authority service.
- A proven track record of designing, implementing and improving operational systems, processes and service models.
- Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships, including elected members and senior leaders.
- Strong performance management, workforce leadership and change management experience.
- The ability to work across organisational boundaries and bring multiple teams together to resolve complex issues.
- Experience developing business cases, service reviews and transformation programmes.
- Knowledge of Environmental Health services such as waste enforcement, pest control, public protection, animal welfare or related regulatory functions would be highly advantageous.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving and political awareness skills.
This role offers the opportunity to make a visible impact within a major city, helping to shape how frontline environmental and public realm services respond to emerging community challenges. You'll join at the beginning of an exciting service development programme with the autonomy to build new approaches, improve operational performance and leave a lasting legacy.
If you're an experienced public sector operations leader who enjoys building services, solving complex operational challenges and driving meaningful improvement, we'd love to hear from you.
What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Operations Manager- Environmental Health in Birmingham employer: Hays HR
Join a premium retail organisation that values innovation and growth, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly shape the future of talent acquisition. With generous pay and benefits, alongside long-term development opportunities, this role is perfect for those eager to build impactful recruitment strategies in a luxury retail setting. Experience a culture that prioritises professional excellence and inclusivity, ensuring every candidate interaction reflects the high standards of the brand.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager- Environmental Health in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Local Projects
Dive into community projects or volunteer opportunities related to environmental engineering. Not only will this boost your experience, but it can also put you in touch with local professionals who might know of temporary roles. Plus, it's a great way to show your passion for the field!
✨Use Industry-Specific Platforms
Check out platforms like EnvironmentJobs or Ecotricity for temporary positions. These sites focus specifically on environmental roles and can give you a leg up in finding short-term gigs that match your skills.
✨Network at Environmental Events
Keep an eye out for local environmental tech meetups, conferences, or seminars. Engaging in these spaces can help you meet potential employers face-to-face and tap into the hidden job market, especially for temporary roles!
✨Leverage Our Website for Quick Applications
Don’t forget to check out temporary positions at Hays HR through our website. Applying directly there can often fast-track your application and get you noticed quicker by hiring managers. It’s a smart move to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager- Environmental Health in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the world of environmental engineering tech, it’s all about those technical skills! Make sure your CV highlights relevant software knowledge, such as CAD programs or environmental modelling software. Mention any specific projects where you applied these skills – it's a brilliant way to demonstrate your hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV. Take a little time to tailor it for the temporary role with Hays HR. Focus on highlighting any experience that relates directly to the specific environmental challenges they might tackle. Relevant coursework or certifications, even if they're from a short course, can give you an edge.
Keep it Short and Sweet:Since this is a temporary position, we recommend keeping your application concise. Highlight the most relevant experience and how quickly you can adapt to the role. Brief statements about your adaptability and eagerness to contribute can make a solid impression!
Brief Motivation in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should express not just your qualifications but also your enthusiasm for the role at Hays HR. Explain why you’re drawn to the temporary nature of the job and what you hope to learn. This helps show that you’re not just looking for any position, but that you genuinely care about this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays HR
✨Get Familiar with Key Engineering Tools
In environmental engineering tech, you’ll likely be quizzed on software tools like AutoCAD or GIS systems. Brush up on how you’ve used these tools in your studies or previous projects, as you might be asked technical questions that require you to explain specific applications in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Temporary positions often require quick thinking and adaptability. Be ready to discuss a project or case where you identified an environmental issue and proposed a solution. This not only highlights your analytical skills but shows you can hit the ground running—exactly what a temporary role needs!
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
Since we’re in the environmental sector, your enthusiasm for sustainable practices can be a game changer. Share any relevant coursework or volunteer activities you've engaged in that reflect your commitment. Employers love to see passion combined with practical experience.
✨Prepare for Short-Term Commitment Questions
For a temporary role, expect questions about your availability and how you manage time effectively on short-term projects. Be candid about your specific time commitment and illustrate how you've successfully completed previous assignments or internships within tight deadlines.
