Head of Service Waste

Location: Hybrid - mostly home-based, with some time on-site across the West Midlands Hours: 3-5 days per week, with some flexibility depending on service need Rate: 29.60 - 37.51 per hour (Inside IR35) Type: Interim contract, initially 12 months with strong potential to extend

Fusion People are supporting a partnership of two neighbouring local authorities who are looking to recruit an experienced Head of Service - Waste to lead the procurement strategy for their future waste disposal arrangements.

For over twenty years, household waste across both council areas has been managed under a single long-term contract, which is due to expire in early 2029. This is a pivotal role that will take lead responsibility for shaping what comes next, developing the strategy, options and procurement programme that will define how household waste is treated and disposed of for years to come.

This is a Head of Service level position and would suit an experienced waste and procurement professional who is confident operating at a senior level, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and guiding decision-makers through a complex, high-profile programme.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of the procurement strategy and programme for future waste disposal arrangements
• Work collaboratively across both authorities and with partners, including government agencies, advisors and private-sector organisations
• Secure the resources and expertise needed to deliver the programme
• Facilitate decision-making through established governance arrangements
• Identify, develop and manage risks across the procurement programme
• Prepare and present reports, policy papers and presentations to senior audiences, including chief executives, elected members, council committees and key stakeholders such as Defra
• Ensure the programme is delivered on time, on budget and in line with project management best practice
• Ensure compliance with the regulatory framework around waste management and procurement
• Work alongside and support the existing waste management and service teams

The Ideal Candidate:

• Proven experience in a Head of Service, or similar senior waste leadership role
• Significant waste disposal knowledge and hands-on experience
• Strong experience with waste contracts and procurement
• Confident leading multi-disciplinary teams and holding a senior room
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including reports and presentations at chief executive, director and elected member level
• Able to translate highly complex issues for a non-expert audience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the confidence to challenge existing practice and identify better solutions
• Degree qualified, or equivalent experience
• Strong influencing and negotiating skills

The early focus is clear: build the programme, develop the options, and secure the formal decisions needed to move forward.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced waste professional to take ownership of a genuinely important programme and leave a lasting mark on how these communities are served.

Please apply today and I will be in contact shortly.

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