Head of Waste & Fleet Services

Southampton City Council; Southampton; On-site; GBP 83,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local governmental organization is seeking a Head of Waste & Fleet Services to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for waste and recycling services. This senior role includes leading the team to achieve high service standards while promoting environmental sustainability. Candidates should have a degree in environmental science or related field and significant leadership experience in waste management. The position offers a salary between £83,643 and £89,705, with additional benefits for a sustainable work environment.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package

Death in service benefit of 3× salary

Generous holiday (25–31 days)

Flexible working options

Family-friendly policies

Training and development

Health and wellbeing support

Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres

Sustainable travel benefits

Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience in waste management, fleet, or environmental services.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, performance improvement, and contract management.
• Ability to lead diverse teams and drive innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Council’s waste, recycling, and fleet operations.
• Act as the Council’s nominated Transport Manager.
• Represent the Council in the Project Integra Partnership.
• Drive transformation and service improvement.
• Manage large-scale contracts to ensure value for money.

Skills

Leadership in waste management

Strategic planning

Performance improvement

Contract management

Stakeholder influence

Education

Degree in environmental science

Certificate of Professional Competence in Road Haulage

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Waste & Fleet Services to join Southampton City Council (SCC) in the Council’s Environment division.

About The Teams

Our Waste and Fleet Services ensure Southampton remains a clean, green, and sustainable city. We lead on strategic waste management, fleet operations and environmental initiatives.

About The Role

This is an exciting time of change for Southampton City Council. An ambitious transformation programme is underway, particularly within our newly formed Resident Services Directorate.

As Head of Waste and Fleet Services, you will provide strategic 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Council’s waste, recycling, and fleet operations, ensuring high service standards and environmental sustainability.
• 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.
• Drive transformation and service improvement through strategic planning, innovation, and performance management.
• Manage large‑scale contracts, ensure value for money, and align services with the Council’s broader transformation goals.

For further information about this role please view the full job description.

About You

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.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• A degree in environmental science, public administration, or a related field (master’s preferred).
• Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Road Haulage (or equivalent qualification).
• Proven senior leadership experience in waste management, fleet, or environmental services.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, performance improvement, and contract management.
• The ability to lead diverse teams, influence key stakeholders, and drive innovation.

Join us in delivering essential services and building a sustainable Southampton for all.

What We Can Offer You

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.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package
• Death in service benefit of 3× salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
• Generous holiday 25–31 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 mentoring
• Health and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
• Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
• Sustainable travel benefits – low‑emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
• Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer

Contact Details for Informal Discussion

For further information and details regarding the Head of Waste & Fleet Services, please contact Rob Harbour, Director – Environment at:

Tel: [phone]

For more information about SCC please visit our website.