Public Realm Service Manager

Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.

Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.

Is it time to lead an essential service that never sleeps and set a national standard for excellence?

Hackney is seeking two exceptional, highly-motivated Service Managers to take the helm of our integrated Environmental Operations. These are two of four pivotal, high-impact roles. Whilst the generic job description covers all cleansing, waste collection, and evening services, each Service Manager will initially be assigned to a specific area (e.g., Cleansing, Waste & Recycling Collections, or Evening Operations). Successful candidates must be flexible and willing to rotate or be reassigned across all Environmental Operations areas as business needs dictate.

These roles carry ultimate responsibility for ensuring the cleanliness of our streets, public spaces, and housing estates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as well as arranging the collection of waste and recycling from our residents and businesses, and other ancillary services.

If you thrive on challenge, possess a strategic vision, and are ready to lead a massive frontline team to achieve the “pinnacle” of service delivery, this is your opportunity to truly make your mark in London.

The Challenge:
Lead a Critical 24/7 Service

You will be accountable for a comprehensive suite of operations and a significant workforce, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement. This role offers incredible scope, covering everything from routine operations to critical, high-profile functions:

• Maintain ultimate accountability for up to 150 frontline staff and 6 Supervisors, directly managing the Assistant Service Manager and driving the strategic vision for the service unit.
• Take full operational responsibility for all street and estate cleansing, domestic and commercial refuse and recycling collection, markets management, and graffiti removal.
• You will manage and oversee the entire Gully Cleansing operation to proactively prevent flooding.
• Play a leading role in developing strategies for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, challenging existing practices, ensuring strict contractual compliance, and supporting waste enforcement action.
• Be the accountable figure for the rigorous management of all service-related complaints, investigating root causes, implementing sustainable corrective measures, and engaging directly with residents and local councillors on-site.
• Take rigorous responsibility for budget preparation, proactive financial management, and accurate forecasting for all services under your control.

Are you ready for the commitment?

Environmental Operations requires dedicated management across a 24-hour cycle. You must be flexible and prepared to work day, evening, or night shifts as directed by the Operations Manager, and participate in a required weekend working rota.

What you will bring:

• A proven, successful track record as a Service Manager within the Waste Industry or Environmental Sector, ideally within the public sector.
• Demonstrable ability to strategically plan, lead the vision and direction for large teams, and attract, develop, and motivate an operational workforce.
• Highly developed communication skills and a personal style that generates credibility and respect among colleagues, senior management, and stakeholders.
• A strong desire to succeed and position Hackney’s service as a national benchmark for excellence.

If you are a dynamic, assertive, and resilient leader ready to manage the complexity and scale of a vital 24/7 service, we…