Director of Environmental and Commercial Services

Local Government South East; Reading; On-site; GBP 97,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is seeking a senior leader to oversee frontline services in Reading. This full-time, permanent role will manage a budget exceeding £30 million and drive modernisation of highways operations while ensuring value for residents.

You will join Team Reading as part of the senior leadership group, shaping council direction and delivering high-quality public services across the borough. Closes 15 November 2026.

Job description

• Full Time
• Permanent
• Reading
• £96,900 to £112,827 Per year £ / Year
• Closes: 15 November 2026

Website Reading Borough Council Be the reason Reading works. Reading is a place with the confidence and connections to think big. A major employment centre at the heart of the Thames Valley, it combines an international business presence with the identity and community life of a town. Our ambition is for everyone who lives here to share in its success. The services you will lead are fundamental to that ambition. The quality of our frontline services matters to every neighbourhood and will help determine how well Reading manages its future. For a leader who takes pride in frontline operations, this is an opportunity to shape a portfolio with key services delivered in-house. You will oversee a budget exceeding £30 million, with decisions ahead on fleet replacement and the future of waste services. Modernising highways operations will also be a priority. You will join Team Reading, where working together means taking an interest beyond your service. As part of our senior leadership group, you will help shape the council’s direction and have colleagues to work with on challenges that cross departmental boundaries. Our commitment to being fair, caring and enterprising should be evident in how we lead. That means listening to the workforce and giving managers the support to succeed, while ensuring public resources are used effectively and deliver value for residents. We value ambition and welcome ideas that improve life in Reading. In return, we support your professional development and recognise the importance of life outside work. Whether you are already a director or ready to step up, you will bring experience of improving operational services and the judgement to lead through change. Reading offers the scope to put that experience to work, with results you can see across the borough. Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 15th November 2026.