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- Tasks: Lead and innovate waste and fleet services for a cleaner, greener Southampton.
- Company: Join Southampton City Council and make a real impact on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, flexible working, and excellent pension scheme.
- Why this job: Shape the future of essential services and drive environmental change in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in waste or fleet services with strategic planning skills.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to a net-zero future by 2035.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a proven and forward-thinking leader to join Southampton City Council (SCC) as the Head of Waste and Fleet Services. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of two essential front line services that keep our city moving, clean, and sustainable. You’ll lead high-profile services that manage everything from household waste and recycling collections to depot operations, and management of the council’s fleet.
About the teams: Our dedicated Waste and Fleet Services teams play a vital role in ensuring Southampton remains a clean, green and sustainable city. Every day, our front line and operational colleagues deliver essential services that our residents rely on. We lead on strategic waste management, fleet operations and environmental initiatives. We are committed to our mission that by 2035, Southampton will be a green, environmentally friendly and net-zero city.
About the role: This is an exciting time of change for Southampton City Council. An ambitious transformation programme is underway within our newly formed Resident Services Directorate. As Head of Waste and Fleet Services, you will provide strategic senior leadership and operational oversight for our waste, recycling, and fleet services. This senior leadership role is central to the city’s ambition for a cleaner, greener future.
- Lead and manage the Council’s waste, recycling, and fleet operations, ensuring high service standards and environmental sustainability.
- Manage large-scale contracts, ensure value for money, and align services with the Council’s broader transformation goals.
- Drive transformation and service improvement through strategic planning, innovation, and performance management.
- Act as the Council’s nominated Transport Manager and ensure fleet legislation and standards compliance.
- Represent the Council in the Project Integra Partnership, advising senior officers and Cabinet Members on waste and recycling strategies.
About you: We’re looking for an experienced and inspiring leader to shape and deliver modern, efficient services that meet the needs of our residents and communities. You will need:
- Substantial senior leadership experience in waste, recycling, fleet or wider environmental services, with a proven track record of shaping strategy, leading service transformation, and delivering high‑quality, resident‑focused outcomes.
- Expertise in strategic planning, commissioning and contract management, with the ability to deliver value for money, drive continuous improvement and ensure long‑term service sustainability.
- Demonstrable experience of leading large, diverse operational teams, developing a positive and inclusive culture, and empowering managers through clear vision, coaching and mentorship.
- Highly developed stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build constructive partnerships across local and regional systems.
- A commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability, aligned to the Council’s ambition for a clean, green, net‑zero future.
- Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Road Haulage (or equivalent qualification) is preferred. Alternatively, we welcome applications from those who are committed to achieving their certification with the support of Southampton City Council.
- A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification in environmental science, public administration, or a closely related field is desirable but not essential.
Join us in delivering essential services for our residents and building a sustainable Southampton for all.
What we can offer you:
- Salary: The salary band for this role is £83,643 - £89,705. The starting salary is £83,643 with annual progression through the salary bands.
- Excellent local government pension with 16.8% employer contribution.
- Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution).
- Generous holiday 25–34 days, based on role and service.
- Flexible working options (role-dependent).
- Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents.
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring.
- Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks.
- Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform.
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres.
- Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans.
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer.
If you feel you have the necessary background, experience, and skills to undertake this role we would like to hear from you. Please apply online via our website sharing your CV and supporting statement up to 2000 words outlining how your background, skills, knowledge and values align to this opportunity.
Head of Waste and Fleet Services in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Contact Detail:
Southampton City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Waste and Fleet Services in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the waste and fleet services sector, especially those connected to Southampton City Council. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's current initiatives and challenges in waste management and fleet operations. Show them you’re not just a leader but someone who understands their mission for a cleaner, greener Southampton.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the future of waste and fleet services. Highlight your experience in leading transformation and how you can contribute to the council’s goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Southampton City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Waste and Fleet Services in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Waste and Fleet Services role. Highlight your leadership experience in waste management and fleet operations, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that align with SCC's goals for a cleaner, greener future.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your background, skills, and values match the job description. Be specific about your experience in strategic planning and service transformation, and show us your passion for environmental sustainability.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a leader, it’s important to convey your approach to managing diverse teams. Share examples of how you’ve developed positive cultures and empowered your team members. We want to see how you inspire others to achieve high-quality, resident-focused outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it gives you a chance to review all the details about the role and our mission at SCC.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Head of Waste and Fleet Services role. Brush up on strategic waste management, fleet operations, and environmental initiatives. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just interested but also knowledgeable about what the job entails.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led teams or managed large-scale projects. Highlight how you’ve driven transformation and service improvement, as this is crucial for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Understand the Council’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with Southampton City Council’s goals, especially their ambition for a cleaner, greener, net-zero future by 2035. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to achieving these objectives through innovative strategies.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key for this role, think about how you’ve built constructive partnerships in the past. Prepare to discuss your approach to influencing and negotiating with various stakeholders, as well as how you empower your team to foster an inclusive culture.
