Head of Waste & Operational Services

Tunnell Financial; Grimsby; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in North East Lincolnshire seeks a Head of Waste & Operational Services to lead crucial services including waste management and street cleansing. The ideal candidate will drive innovation and ensure statutory responsibilities are met while fostering a clean and sustainable environment. This role offers autonomy, professional growth, and the chance to make a significant community impact.

Benefits

Generous leave entitlement

Local government pension

Access to wellbeing support

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in managing change and driving continuous improvement.
• Strong track record in operational service delivery.
• Politically astute and able to navigate complex environments with diplomacy.

Responsibilities

• Lead waste and recycling collection services.
• Oversee strategic planning and budget management.
• Motivate front-line teams and resolve operational issues.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Job description

Are you ready to lead the way in shaping cleaner, greener communities across North East Lincolnshire?

If you're someone who thrives in a dynamic, people-focused environment, this could be the perfect opportunity. You'll be leading a service that's central to creating cleaner, greener neighbourhoods and delivering on environmental quality. If you're passionate about making a visible difference and leading teams through innovation and collaboration, we want to hear from you.

What's the role all about?

As Head of Waste & Operational Services, you'll be a visible and strategic leader across some of the Council's most high-profile front-line services, including waste and recycling collection, street cleansing, and fleet and garage operations. You'll take ownership of strategic planning, budget management and service delivery. You'll ensure statutory responsibilities are met, while driving innovation and continuous improvement. The role will support our Net Zero goals through sustainable fleet management, and acting as the Site Responsible Person for the Doughty Road Depot. You'll also deputise for the Assistant Director of Environment and play a key role in emergency planning and out-of-hours operations, helping to ensure our communities remain safe, clean, and well-supported in all circumstances.

What will your day look like?

In this dynamic leadership role, no two days will be the same. You'll be at the heart of operational service delivery — leading and motivating front-line teams, working closely with contractors and partners, and keeping a close eye on emerging trends, legislation, and technologies. You'll provide strategic advice through well-crafted reports, ensure health and safety compliance is upheld, and manage budgets with precision.

You'll also be the go-to person for resolving operational issues and complaints, while collaborating with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality, value-for-money services.

Who are we looking for?

We're seeking a confident and capable leader with a strong track record in operational service delivery. You'll bring extensive experience in managing change and driving continuous improvement, alongside excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will be politically astute, able to navigate complex environments with diplomacy and professionalism. A commitment to personal and professional development is essential, as is the ability to build and maintain strategic relationships.

Why join us?

Because this isn't just a job — it's a chance to lead services that directly shape the everyday lives of people across North East Lincolnshire. You'll be part of a forward-thinking council that's committed to environmental sustainability, innovation, and delivering real value to its communities. In this role, you'll have the autonomy to drive change, the support to grow professionally, and the opportunity to work alongside passionate teams who care deeply about making a difference.

Key Dates

• Closing date: 26th October
• Interviews: W/C 3rd November

We want you to have the best interview experience with us, so will provide candidates selected for interview their questions 24 hours in advance of meeting us.

We reserve the right to close our adverts early if we have received a significant volume of suitable applications.

As part of your RewardNEL package, you will have a generous leave entitlement (including bank holidays) and enrolment into a local government pension.

You will also have access to our exclusive RewardNEL platform, which includes a variety of salary sacrifice schemes, discounts at local coffee shops and bars, direct access to our in-house wellbeing support, free and discounted local car parking, as well as instant access to new savings at major retailers, entertainment and hotels.

NELC staff can also benefit from flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities, and a Fostering friendly scheme.

If you need any help applying for this position, please contact Wendy Trask on 07702 338542 (text or call). Wendy can support with digital access, as well as offering advice and guidance about completing the different sections of the application form.

Your earnings go further in North East Lincolnshire, house prices are four times less than in London. Learn more about what our place has to offer at Life in North East Lincolnshire | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk) #FindYourSpace

Get to know us better by checking out our Council Plan and reading about all of the exciting new developments we have in the pipeline.

We regularly review data to ensure our recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and promote equal opportunities for all. We also have an in-house Equalities Champions Group that works to promote and embed inclusivity in the workplace, helping us identify areas where we can take positive action, and make the organisation a safe space for colleagues to feel connected.