Environment & Climate Team Manager

Are you passionate about the environment, parks & open spaces and resource & waste management? Join St Helens Borough Council as our Environment & Climate Team Manager. Now more than ever, we need to drive innovative change across our services enabling the Council to take the next step in delivering its ambitious environmental goals in a rapidly changing world.

This is a key role in the Environmental Operations Team to help lead on environmental strategy and project delivery for the Council and requires collaboration with colleagues, local stakeholders and contractors to deliver an efficient service. The successful candidate will lead a team that delivers environmental education and engagement, service innovation and change management, recycling & waste services, climate action and open space project management and events.

You must have robust leadership and management skills and the ability to work in a politically sensitive environment but also work effectively with a diverse workforce to deliver high quality standards for our residents.

We are seeking a proactive and confident Team Manager with excellent interpersonal and communication skills to lead our Environment & Climate Team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in supporting the Council’s environmental objectives through the provision of high quality open spaces, community engagement and the encouragement of events and activities in our parks. We are looking for an individual who is experienced in the environment, open spaces, and resource and waste management. Whatever your background, you’ll be passionate about delivering environmental projects, building community spirit through community engagement and above all - making a positive difference to the people of St Helens!

• Supporting the delivery of policies, strategies and service improvements.
• Working with community groups and elected members, including attending out‑of‑hours meetings.
• Lead on engagement and education programmes across Waste, Open Spaces and Climate.
• Deliver environmental projects, funding bids, Green Flag applications, Section 106/woodland schemes, PSDS & BNG projects.
• Managing and responding to customer enquiries and complaints.
• Manage tender preparation, contractor management and administration for environmental works.
• Identifying and applying for external funding and preparing required progress reports.
• Contributing to the commercial development of parks, open spaces and allotments.
• Lead on service transformation and digital/mobile system implementation.
• Promoting excellent customer care and continuous service improvement.
• Working flexibly within a small team and supporting and developing colleagues.
• Liaising with internal departments and external organisations to ensure effective service delivery.
• Taking part in directorate, multi‑agency and partner projects.

• Strong knowledge of environmental services, local authority operations, and relevant legislation.
• Understanding of Health & Safety requirements, Green Flag standards, financial management and contract management principles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
• Confident problem‑solver who can think creatively and develop practical, innovative solutions.
• Ability to provide sound, objective advice and demonstrate commercial and political awareness.
• Strong relationship‑building skills, working effectively with colleagues, contractors, partners and community stakeholders.
• Ability to assess risks, prioritise tasks and manage work to tight deadlines.
• Good organisational and project management skills.
• Experience managing staff and contractors in customer‑focused environments.
• Proven experience in budget management, service performance, contract monitoring and auditing.
• Experience developing and delivering environmental projects and working with volunteers.
• Degree level or similar relevant qualification or experience.
• Confident in all spoken aspects of the role and holding a full UK driving licence.

At St Helens Borough Council, we’re committed to delivering high-quality, customer-focused services that support a cleaner, greener future. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovation, collaboration, and community impact.