Interim Head of Service – Street Scene & Leisure

Contract: 6 Months (Interim)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Rate: £76.71 PAYE per hour | £97.88 LTD per hour (Inc Holiday)

The Role
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Interim Head of Service – Street Scene & Leisure to provide strategic leadership and operational management across Waste Management and Clean & Green services. This is a senior interim role with responsibility for high-profile frontline services that directly impact residents, businesses and stakeholders across the Borough.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Service Delivery

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for Waste Management Services, including domestic and commercial collections, waste disposal contracts and the Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC).
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for Clean & Green Services, including burials, street cleansing, arboriculture, parks and open spaces, and general grounds maintenance.
• Be accountable for the development, implementation and maintenance of policies, procedures and strategies in line with legislative requirements and corporate objectives.
• Undertake effective day-to-day management of Waste and Clean & Green Management Teams, ensuring high performance and service excellence.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Control revenue and capital budgets, ensuring compliance with Council financial procedures.
• Prepare annual budgets, capital bids and funding proposals to support service sustainability and development.
• Manage and develop service income streams, including HWRC, commercial waste collections, bulky waste, internal customers and innovative new initiatives.
• Secure value for money, commercial income generation and high levels of public satisfaction.

Procurement & Contract Management

• Take lead responsibility for the procurement and management of all contracts relating to Waste Management and Clean & Green services.
• Ensure legal compliance as a Waste Disposal Authority and prompt resolution of any contract issues or non-compliance.
• Explore and develop opportunities for joint contractual arrangements with strategic partners across public and private sectors.

Performance, Quality & Compliance

• Analyse service performance data and implement improvements to policies, plans and practices.
• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety legislation, Environmental Permitting Regulations and Council policies.
• Ensure services operate in accordance with ISO9001:2015 and OHSAS 18001 standards.
• Oversee the effective management of service complaints.

Leadership, People & Culture

• Recruit, lead, develop and motivate staff to create a high-performing and skilled workforce.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across all services.
• Create an organisational culture that is proactive, corporate and innovative.
• Support staff development through performance reviews, one-to-ones and talent management.

Partnerships & Governance

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Environment, Highways, Counter Fraud and other services to improve customer experience.
• Develop effective consultation and communication arrangements with residents, Members and stakeholders.
• Liaise with Members through meetings, walkabouts and Member enquiries.
• Prepare and present clear written and verbal reports to Members, senior leadership and external bodies.
• Deputise for the Chief Officer at Cabinet, Scrutiny, Senior Leadership Team and external meetings as required.
• Contribute to multi-disciplinary project teams and whole-service partnership strategies.

Additional Requirements

• Flexible and agile approach to working hours and location, including remote and home working where required.
• Compliance with data protection legislation and information security policies.
• Commitment to Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
• Completion and maintenance of mandatory training in line with legislation.
• Undertake additional duties consistent with the seniority and nature of the role as required.

The Ideal Candidate You will be an experienced senior leader with a strong background in waste management, environmental services or street scene operations, ideally within a local authority setting. You will bring proven expertise in strategic leadership, financial management, contract management and service transformation within complex, high-demand environments.

For more details on this position and to apply, contact Prakash by emailing prakash.panchani@servicecare.org.uk or call 01772 208967.