Interim Head of Waste & Green Spaces

Interim Head of Waste & Green Spaces
£650 per day
Inside IR35
3 Months
London Local Authority
Hybrid

Interviews to be ASAP.

This is a key leadership position with strategic oversight of Waste Services, Street Cleansing, and Green Space Management, driving service transformation, compliance, and innovation, while supporting borough-wide environmental, financial, and sustainability objectives.

You’ll be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of high-impact front line services, overseeing budgets of up to £29m, and working closely with elected members and senior stakeholders to improve service outcomes, biodiversity, and resident satisfaction.


About the Interim Head of Waste & Green Spaces role:

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of waste collections, recycling, street cleansing, open spaces, cemeteries, crematoria, and environmental initiatives
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across services, embedding a culture focused on residents and front line excellence
• Develop and implement strategic environmental and green space initiatives in line with the Council’s climate change and carbon reduction goals
• Lead the commercial management of council assets including depots, golf courses, and civic amenity sites – maximising value and operational efficiency
• Work cross-departmentally to influence planning, housing, highways, and enforcement strategy
• Play a lead role in delivering Medium Term Financial Forecast (MTFF) savings through efficient operations and commercial innovation

Your previous experience as an Interim Head of Waste & Green Spaces:

• Proven experience at Head of Service level or above within a local authority environment
• Track record of leading and transforming environmental services including waste, cleansing, parks or green spaces
• Strong financial oversight and experience managing large operational budgets
• Able to work in politically sensitive environments with regular councillor and resident engagement
• Deep understanding of legislative frameworks including the Environmental Act, H&S compliance, and contract management
• Confident in strategic planning, project management, procurement, and delivering measurable service improvements
• Capable of overseeing complex operations at multiple sites, including depot and workforce management

If this Interim Head of Waste & Green Spaces opportunity sounds of interest, please send a CV to Nikki or Josie.

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please get in touch if you know someone suitable.)

Our clients are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be supported throughout the application and interview process.