Head of Waste Services

Overview

We’re looking for a proven and forward-thinking leader to join Southampton City Council (SCC) as the Head of Waste and Fleet Services
. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of two essential frontline services that keep our city moving, clean, and sustainable. You’ll lead high-profile services that manage everything from household waste and recycling collections to depot operations and the management of the council’s fleet.

Our dedicated Waste and Fleet Services teams play a vital role in ensuring Southampton remains a clean, green and sustainable city. Every day, our frontline and operational colleagues deliver essential services that our residents rely on. We lead on strategic waste management, fleet operations and environmental initiatives. We are committed to our mission that by 2035, Southampton will be a green, environmentally friendly and net-zero city.

This is an exciting time of change for Southampton City Council. An ambitious transformation programme is underway within our newly formed Resident Services Directorate. As Head of Waste and Fleet Services, you will provide strategic senior leadership and operational oversight for our waste, recycling, and fleet services. This senior leadership role is central to the city’s ambition for a cleaner, greener future.

• Lead and manage the Council’s waste, recycling, and fleet operations, ensuring high service standards and environmental sustainability.
• Manage large-scale contracts, ensure value for money, and align services with the Council’s broader transformation goals.
• Drive transformation and service improvement through strategic planning, innovation, and performance management.
• Act as the Council’s nominated Transport Manager and ensure fleet legislation and standards compliance.
• Represent the Council in the Project Integra Partnership, advising senior officers and Cabinet Members on waste and recycling strategies.

We’re looking for an experienced and inspiring leader to shape and deliver modern, efficient services that meet the needs of our residents and communities.

• Substantial senior leadership experience in waste, recycling, fleet or wider environmental services, with a proven track record of shaping strategy, leading service transformation, and delivering high‑quality, resident‑focused outcomes.
• Expertise in strategic planning, commissioning and contract management, with the ability to deliver value for money, drive continuous improvement and ensure long‑term service sustainability.
• Demonstrable experience of leading large, diverse operational teams, developing a positive and inclusive culture, and empowering managers through clear vision, coaching and mentorship.
• Highly developed stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build constructive partnerships across local and regional systems.
• A commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability, aligned to the Council’s ambition for a clean, green, net‑zero future.

• Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Road Haulage (or equivalent qualification) is preferred. Alternatively, we welcome applications from those who are committed to achieving their certification with the support of Southampton City Council.
• A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification in environmental science, public administration, or a closely related field is desirable but not essential.

Salary:
The salary band for this role is £83,643 – £89,705. The starting salary is £83,643 with annual progression through the salary bands.

Here at SCC we have a range of different benefits, a few examples can be found below.

• Excellent local government pension with 16.8% employer contribution
• Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
• Generous holiday 25–34 days, based on role and service
• Flexible working options (role-dependent)
• Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
• Training and development, including coaching and…