As Head of Waste and Environment Services, you will provide visible, strategic leadership for a broad portfolio of essential frontline services that directly shape the quality of life across Three Rivers. Reporting to the Associate Director for Environment and working as part of the Council’s Corporate Management Team, you will lead services including waste collection and recycling, depot and fleet management, street cleansing, grounds maintenance, environmental enforcement, bereavement services, and animal welfare and licensing.
You will be the Council’s expert adviser in these areas, ensuring high professional, operational and regulatory standards while helping to shape policy, investment and service improvement. The role combines strategic planning with hands‑on operational leadership: you will be accountable for performance, budgets, contracts, risk, health and safety, fleet and resources, while building strong partnerships and identifying opportunities to secure external funding, increase income and deliver lasting value for residents. You will also represent the Council in key local, county, regional and national forums and lead your teams confidently through change.
What we are looking for:
We are looking for an experienced, forward‑thinking leader with a strong track record in complex, customer‑focused frontline operations, ideally within waste or environmental services and local government. You will bring sound professional knowledge of the legislative, commercial and operational issues affecting waste, recycling and the wider environmental portfolio, together with experience of leading multidisciplinary teams, managing significant budgets and resources, and delivering major contracts, projects and service change.
You will be a strategic thinker who can turn ambition into practical, measurable outcomes. Politically aware and confident working with elected Members, partners, staff and communities, you will communicate clearly, negotiate effectively and build trusted relationships. You will inspire and motivate others, remain resilient and decisive under pressure, balance competing priorities and champion innovation, equality, sustainability and continuous improvement.
What we offer:
We offer an excellent benefits package, including competitive salary, 29 days holiday - rising to 31 days (if applicable), a generous employer contribution pension scheme, life assurance, flexible working, career development, free on-site parking, cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounted leisure centre membership, employee volunteering schemes and access to discounted activities and days out.
A basic DBS check will be carried out for this post.
Three Rivers District Council’s corporate vision is that the district be a great place to live, work and visit. That vision is one we hold for everyone. The council is dedicated to the promotion of equality of opportunity and to removing any discrimination in service delivery, procurement, employment and improving access to services for all residents.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employee sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.
At Three Rivers District Council we consider equality issues alongside other factors when making decisions as an employer of choice. We are committed to ensuring that we have effective policies, strategies, procedures, and processes and that we encourage behaviour which promotes equality, encourages diversity, and contributes to an inclusive organisational culture.
AI can be a helpful tool, however applications that appear to rely heavily on external sources may be reviewed which could affect the progress and outcome of the application. Candidates must ensure all content is genuinely their own.
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Head of Waste and Environment in Rickmansworth employer: LARAC
WRAP is an exceptional employer that champions a flexible and inclusive work culture, allowing you to thrive in a hybrid working environment from Cardiff. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer competitive salaries, generous benefits including private medical insurance and a robust pension scheme, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on environmental sustainability. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that collaborates to drive significant change towards a circular economy.
