Head Of Waste

WasteRecruit Ltd; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A waste management company in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Waste to lead their operations during significant changes. This role involves overseeing waste operations, managing a team of 200 staff, and ensuring compliance with waste contracts. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in waste management, can navigate change effectively, and be prepared for hybrid work in Essex. Immediate impact is expected from the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in waste management within local authority or similar.
• Experience managing complex contracts and large teams.
• Ability to navigate change and work at pace.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all waste operations, including transfer stations and recycling centres.
• Provide leadership and direction to approximately 200 staff.
• Manage waste-related contracts ensuring strong commercial oversight.
• Lead transformational change related to Local Government Reorganisation.

Skills

Senior-level experience in waste management

Leadership skills

Ability to manage large teams

Strong operational background

Change management

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Interim Head of Waste to take the lead on a major waste service portfolio during a period of significant operational and organisational change.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all waste operations, including 4 transfer stations, 21 household waste recycling centres (HWRCs), bulk haulage, and a closed landfill site.
• Provide leadership and direction to a workforce of approximately 200 staff, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant service delivery.
• Manage all waste‑related contracts, ensuring strong commercial oversight, performance management, and value for money.
• Lead and support transformational change projects, including workforce modernisation initiatives and programmes linked to Local Government Reorganisation.

About You

You bring senior‑level experience in waste management within a local authority or similar environment, with a strong operational background and a track record of managing large teams and complex contracts. You should be confident navigating change, able to hit the ground running, and comfortable working at pace.

The role offers hybrid‑working, but as this is an operational role candidates will need to be prepared to be in Essex for at least 2‑days per week.

If you're ready to step in quickly and make an immediate impact, we'd love to hear from you.