• An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Interim Head of Waste & Green Spaces to lead, manage, and innovate within a complex and dynamic environmental services portfolio.

• This high-profile leadership role is responsible for delivering exceptional front-line services across waste management, street cleansing, and green spaces, driving environmental improvement and community wellbeing.

• The successful candidate will oversee a large workforce, manage significant budgets, and influence both strategic planning and operational execution.

• The post holder will play a key role in advancing sustainability, increasing biodiversity, and reducing the organisation’s carbon footprint, whilst ensuring services remain customer-focused, efficient, and compliant with legislative requirements.

• Lead and manage all aspects of waste collection, street cleansing, and green spaces including parks, cemeteries, playgrounds, golf courses, and countryside services.

• Develop and deliver long-term strategies aligned with environmental targets and national policy, including climate action, biodiversity, and waste minimisation.

• Oversee performance management, budget responsibility (c.£29m), health & safety compliance, and service delivery to ensure operational excellence and efficiency.

• Act as strategic lead for environmental services, influencing corporate objectives and contributing to wider partnership initiatives with external agencies and professional bodies.

• Promote continuous improvement and innovation, embedding a culture of excellence and accountability throughout the team.

• Represent the council at public forums, national conferences, and senior meetings, communicating the organisation’s environmental leadership and best practices.

• Manage the Harlington Road Depot, including its cross-service users and operational compliance.

• Support education, enforcement, and community engagement campaigns to improve environmental outcomes and promote civic pride.

• Work collaboratively with internal teams (Housing, Highways, Planning, etc.) to support joint projects and ensure integrated service provision.

• Ensure legal and statutory compliance across all operational areas, including operator licensing, environmental health, and safety regulations.

• Proven senior leadership experience in waste management, environmental services, or a related field, with a track record of driving performance and change.

• Strong financial acumen with extensive experience in managing large operational budgets and delivering cost efficiencies.

• In-depth knowledge of environmental legislation, waste policy, biodiversity, and sustainable service delivery.

• Ability to lead, inspire and develop large, multidisciplinary teams, both directly and indirectly, including agency staff.

• Experience of influencing policy and strategy across organisational boundaries, including work with elected members and stakeholders.

• Skilled in contract management, procurement, and service commissioning, with a focus on value for money and compliance.

• Confident communicator and public speaker, capable of representing the organisation at regional and national levels.

• Familiarity with digital innovation in service delivery and performance monitoring, including data use and customer interfaces.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to balance operational requirements and political sensitivities.

• Passion for the environment, community wellbeing, and delivering public services that make a tangible difference.

• Interim post classified as Tier 3 (Service Manager level) with line management responsibility for 15 direct reports and up to 500 staff in total.

• The role requires flexible working arrangements, including occasional evenings and weekends.

• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential due to the operational nature of the role and borough-wide responsibilities.