Service Manager – Environmental Operations in London

Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values. Over the past twenty years, the Council has built first‑class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We lead on essential work, including equity, anti‑racist initiatives, and fairness across gender, neurodiversity, and poverty.

Hackney is seeking two exceptional, highly‑motivated Service Managers to take the helm of our integrated Environmental Operations. Each Service Manager will initially be assigned to a specific area—such as Cleansing, Waste & Recycling Collections, or Evening Operations—and will have flexibility to rotate as business needs dictate. They will be responsible for ensuring the cleanliness of streets, public spaces, and housing estates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while arranging waste and recycling collection and ancillary services.

The Challenge: Lead a Critical 24/7 Service

The role requires a comprehensive suite of operations and a significant workforce, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.

• Maintain ultimate accountability for up to 150 frontline staff and 6 supervisors, directly managing the Assistant Service Manager and driving the strategic vision for the service unit.
• Take full operational responsibility for all street and estate cleansing, domestic and commercial refuse and recycling collection, markets management, and graffiti removal.
• Manage and oversee the entire Gully Cleansing operation to proactively prevent flooding.
• Play a leading role in developing strategies for efficiency and cost‑effectiveness, challenging existing practices, ensuring strict contractual compliance, and supporting waste enforcement action.
• Be the accountable figure for the rigorous management of all service‑related complaints, investigating root causes, implementing sustainable corrective measures, and engaging directly with residents and local councillors on‑site.
• Take rigorous responsibility for budget preparation, proactive financial management, and accurate forecasting for all services under your control.

The role requires flexible working across day, evening, and night shifts, with a required weekend working rota.

What You Will Bring

• Proven track record as a Service Manager within the Waste Industry or Environmental Sector, ideally within the public sector.
• Demonstrable ability to strategically plan, lead the vision and direction for large teams, and attract, develop, and motivate an operational workforce.
• Highly developed communication skills and a personal style that generates credibility and respect among colleagues, senior management, and stakeholders.
• Strong desire to succeed and position Hackney’s service as a national benchmark for excellence.

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 disadvantages caused by social class and warmly welcome applications from disabled people and others who may be under‑represented.