Head of Waste Operations

Head of Waste Operations

Permanent,Full Time

Salary:
Up to £90,663 per annum

Location:

Chelmsford

Working Style:

Anywhere worker

This is a major leadership opportunity within one of the UK’s largest and most complex Waste Disposal Authorities. Managing services that handle over 650,000 tonnes of waste each year across Essex, you will oversee operations spanning 21 Recycling Centres, 4 Transfer Stations, and multiple closed landfill sites, supported by a workforce of over 200 operational staff.

The role carries responsibility for multi-million-pound contracts worth over £1 billion in total, covering residual waste treatment, recycling, reuse and haulage. It demands strategic oversight of complex commercial arrangements, performance management, and compliance across a high-risk, regulated environment.

You’ll work as part of a collaborative leadership team - driving efficiency, innovation and environmental excellence - supporting Essex’s ambitions to deliver a great service for residents and support a low carbon, circular economy.

Interviews for shortlisted applicants are expected to take place in person at County Hall, Chelmsford on Friday, 30th January 2026.

To read more about our business area, please visit Climate, Environment and Customer Services

Work as part of a collaborative senior management team. Identify and implement optimal changes to waste functions to ensure improved environmental benefits and cost efficiencies, whilst still protecting local services.

You can expect to be accountable for the following

• Operational management - safe and efficient day-to-day management of all recycling centres, transfer stations and haulage fleet

• Health and Safety - manage all health and safety issues in relation to the WDA services, always ensuring safety and compliance for officers, contractors and members of the public.

• Financial control - provide robust and financial management of waste budgets (circa. £90m per annum), savings targets and forecasting requirements.

• Major procurements - provide support and expertise to existing procurements, advising on waste management practices and operational excellence.

• Closed landfill sites - ensure the closed landfill sites are managed in accordance with regulatory requirements and maximise any associated revenue.

• Contract management - work closely with the central contract management function to ensure that major contractors are compliant and delivering excellent levels of service.

• Line management - direct line management of 7 staff and overall responsibility for all (200+) waste operations staff. Ensuring at all times that these staff understand the priorities, objectives and policies of ECC’s WDA.

• Stakeholder Management - work closely with the 12 Waste Collection Authorities across Essex providing effective waste disposal and treatment directions.

• Project Management - undertake any assigned projects, ensuring that agreed outcomes are delivered on time, within budget and to the expected standard.

• A Chartered Waste Manager (MCIWM) with Extensive and demonstrable experience of senior waste service leadership.

• Sound knowledge of current and emerging waste and resources policy and legislation.

• In depth understanding of operational techniques and practices including recycling centre operations, waste transfer operations, waste treatment and disposal methods and experience managing complex waste related contracts.

• Considerable experience of managing multi-million-pound budgets effectively and forecasting future budget requirements.

• Experience in managing staff, with a commitment to staff development.

• Ability to communicate effectively to different audiences including members, directors, waste officers, operatives and the public.

• Highly skilled in ensuring compliance with all environmental permitting and health and safety guidance and legislation relevant to the management of local authority collected wastes or equivalent.

• Highly skilled in effectively managing waste contractors, ensuring value for money and delivering to time-scales.

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public…