Service Director - Environment

We have an excellent opportunity available for a Service Director – Environment to join our Place & Growth Directorate here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, permanent basis.

As the Service Director – Environment, you will provide visionary leadership across high-profile and impactful service areas. This is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering waste and environmental services that directly affect the quality of life for our residents and communities. As the lead Service Director for our commitment to tackling the climate emergency, you will also oversee our corporate and community response to drive towards a carbon neutral future.

As a key member of the Place & Growth Leadership Team and the Council’s Extended Corporate Leadership Team, you will work closely with elected Members, corporate colleagues, partners and contractors to deliver ambitious outcomes for place-making, sustainability, environmental stewardship and high quality customer focused regulatory services.

You will lead a large, complex and diverse portfolio, providing strategic direction, strong governance and inspirational leadership across services including waste, climate, environmental and regulatory services, heritage green and blue infrastructure and emergency planning.

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

• ⭐Generous Annual Leave – 31 days annual leave (additional 5 days with 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
• ⭐Local Government Pension Scheme
• ⭐GP Helpline – Available 7 days a week
• ⭐Employee Assistance Programme – Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
• ⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
• ⭐Free Onsite Gym – Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
• ⭐Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Car and Cycle to Work
• ⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts – Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out and more
• ⭐Move through Menopause Course
• ⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more
• ⭐Learning & Development Opportunities
• ⭐Employee Networks
• ⭐And more!

We’re looking for a confident, politically astute and values-driven leader with substantial experience operating at a senior level in local government or a comparable public sector environment.

• Setting strategic direction and delivering the Council’s corporate priorities across environmental and climate-related services
• Leading service transformation, innovation and continuous improvement to deliver high-quality, value-for-money outcomes
• Overseeing the development and delivery of environmental, waste, climate change and enforcement strategies
• Managing significant budgets and resources in line with the Medium Term Financial Plan
• Building strong relationships with Members, partners, contractors and stakeholders to maximise impact and social value
• Championing customer-focused service delivery and inclusive access
• Acting as Silver Duty Officer as part of the Council’s emergency planning arrangements

You will also play a critical role in securing external funding, driving digital innovation, managing risk and ensuring statutory compliance across all service areas.

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline
• Proven senior leadership experience across environmental, regulatory, waste or climate-related services
• In-depth knowledge of environmental legislation, governance and public sector service delivery
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing large and complex budgets
• A track record of leading transformation, innovation and performance improvement
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community.…