Assistant Operations Manager – Street Cleansing in Birmingham

Birmingham City Council is transforming the way we deliver frontline environmental services. As part of this ambition, we are strengthening our on-the-ground operational leadership at local depots across Street Cleansing, ensuring our neighbourhoods are clean, safe, and places communities can take pride in. We’re looking for Assistant Operations Managers to help lead the delivery of high-quality street cleansing services for Birmingham’s residents.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a consistently high standard. You’ll oversee daily operations, support staff development, manage resources, and help create a positive, performance-driven culture. This is a unique opportunity to lead large, diverse teams, shape performance culture, and directly impact services that residents rely on every day.

We’re Looking For Assistant Operations Managers Who Bring…

• Real leadership experience – you’ve led teams in a busy operational environment and can handle performance, wellbeing, and HR matters with confidence.
• A strong safety mindset – with solid experience in compliance, risk management, and keeping teams safe every day.
• A data-driven approach – you use insight and performance information to make smart decisions and deliver better services.
• Clear, confident communication – you motivate, support and get your teams working together with purpose.
• A genuine customer focus – you handle community queries professionally and take pride in delivering a great service for residents.
• Strong problem-solving skills – you stay calm under pressure, think ahead and find practical solutions.
• Excellent planning and organisational abilities – you can juggle multiple tasks, prioritise effectively and keep operations running smoothly.
• Financial awareness – with experience managing budgets, controlling costs and making resources work smarter.

The below qualifications are desirable:

• NEBOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification
• Level 3 or 4 Leadership & Management qualification (or strong supervisory experience)
• Full UK Driving Licence and flexibility to travel around the city

What You’ll Be Doing…

• Lead the day-to-day operation – coordinating staffing and resources so services run efficiently and hit performance targets.
• Develop your teams – carrying out coaching, performance reviews, and development plans that help people grow and succeed.
• Promote positive people management – overseeing attendance, wellbeing, and HR compliance with a fair, supportive approach.
• Own safety on the ground – conducting inspections, investigating incidents, and maintaining safe systems of work.
• Ensure compliance – monitoring PPE standards and other statutory compliance such as transport.
• Use data to drive improvement – spotting trends, developing solutions, and pushing for “right-first-time” service delivery.
• Shape the bigger picture – preparing reports and sharing insight with managers and key stakeholders.

What We Offer In Return…

• Membership of West Midlands Pension Fund – with generous employer contributions
• Enhanced Holiday Entitlement – 30 days, increasing with length of service
• My Rewards Scheme – access to over 800 brands providing discounts and savings
• Health and wellbeing support – independent and confidential employee assistance and counselling

Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.