At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve neighbourhood and environmental services for a vibrant community.
- Company: Progressive Hampshire Local Authority with a focus on impactful leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunity for contract extension.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with potential for significant career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through visible community services.
- Qualifications: Proven local government leader with experience in managing complex service portfolios.
A Hampshire Local Authority is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Neighbourhood & Environment to lead a broad portfolio of frontline environmental and neighbourhood services. This is a high-profile leadership role responsible for delivering many of the council's most visible and customer-facing services, ensuring residents experience clean, safe and well-maintained communities.
Reporting to a senior director, you will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight and service improvement across a diverse range of functions, driving performance, customer satisfaction and value for money.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and manage a wide-ranging portfolio including:
- Waste collection and recycling services
- Street cleansing and environmental maintenance
- Fly-tipping prevention and response
- Parks, open spaces and grounds maintenance
- Environmental health and public protection services
- Licensing and regulatory services
- Enforcement and anti-social behaviour (ASB) response
- Community safety and neighbourhood management initiatives
You will be responsible for ensuring services are delivered efficiently, meet statutory obligations and support the council's wider environmental and community objectives.
About YouWe are looking for a proven local government leader with:
- Significant experience managing environmental, neighbourhood or place-based services within a local authority setting
- A strong track record of leading large operational teams and complex service portfolios
- Experience driving service transformation, performance improvement and organisational change
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, including working with elected members, senior leadership teams, partners and community groups
- Strong commercial and financial management capability, including budget responsibility and contract management experience
- A collaborative leadership style with the ability to motivate teams and deliver outcomes in a politically sensitive environment
- Initial 6-month contract with potential for extension
- Competitive daily rate of £600 - £650 per day
- Hybrid working arrangement offering flexibility between home and office-based working
- Opportunity to make a visible impact across key frontline services
- Senior leadership role within a progressive Hampshire local authority
If you have the leadership experience and operational expertise to drive high-performing neighbourhood and environmental services, we would welcome your application.
Head of Neighbourhood and Environment employer: Park Avenue Recruitment
As a leading local authority in Hampshire, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to make a tangible impact in the community. With a focus on professional development and a hybrid working model, we offer our team members the flexibility to balance their personal and professional lives while driving meaningful change in neighbourhood and environmental services. Join us to be part of a progressive organisation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents and creating well-maintained, safe communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Neighbourhood and Environment
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Neighbourhood and Environment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Park Avenue Recruitment
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Park Avenue Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Park Avenue Recruitment that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
