Interim Head of Service & Street Scene & Leisure

Service Care Solutions; Southend-on-Sea; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading service provider is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Service for Street Scene & Leisure in Southend-on-Sea. This role entails strategic leadership and operational management over Waste Management and Clean & Green services, ensuring high performance and compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in waste management and environmental services, and will be responsible for financial management and contract oversight. This interim position offers flexible working arrangements and a rate of £76.71 PAYE or £97.88 LTD per hour.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in waste management and environmental services.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate teams.
• Proven track record in financial and contract management.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for Waste Management and Clean & Green services.
• Manage and develop service income streams.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial management

Contract management

People management

Communication skills

Job description

Interim Head of Service – Street Scene & Leisure

Contract: 6 Months (Interim) Hours: 37 hours per week Rate: £76.71 PAYE per hour | £97.88 LTD per hour (Inc Holiday)

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Interim Head of Service – Street Scene & Leisure to provide strategic leadership and operational management across Waste Management and Clean & Green services. This is a senior interim role with responsibility for high‑profile frontline services that directly impact residents, businesses and stakeholders across the Borough.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Service Delivery

Provide leadership and strategic direction for Waste Management Services, including domestic and commercial collections, waste disposal contracts and the Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC).

Provide leadership and strategic direction for Clean & Green Services, including burials, street cleansing, arboriculture, parks and open spaces, and general grounds maintenance.

Be accountable for the development, implementation and maintenance of policies, procedures and strategies in line with legislative requirements and corporate objectives.

Undertake effective day‑to‑day management of Waste and Clean & Green Management Teams, ensuring high performance and service excellence.

Financial & Commercial Management

Control revenue and capital budgets, ensuring compliance with Council financial procedures.

Prepare annual budgets, capital bids and funding proposals to support service sustainability and development.

Manage and develop service income streams, including HWRC, commercial waste collections, bulky waste, internal customers and innovative new initiatives.

Secure value for money, commercial income generation and high levels of public satisfaction.

Procurement & Contract Management

Take lead responsibility for the procurement and management of all contracts relating to Waste Management and Clean & Green services.

Ensure legal compliance as a Waste Disposal Authority and prompt resolution of any contract issues or non‑compliance.

Explore and develop opportunities for joint contractual arrangements with strategic partners across public and private sectors.

Performance, Quality & Compliance

Analyse service performance data and implement improvements to policies, plans and practices.

Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety legislation, Environmental Permitting Regulations and Council policies.

Ensure services operate in accordance with ISO9001:2015 and OHSAS 18001 standards.

Oversee the effective management of service complaints.

Leadership, People & Culture

Recruit, lead, develop and motivate staff to create a high‑performing and skilled workforce.

Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across all services.

Create an organisational culture that is proactive, corporate and innovative.

Support staff development through performance reviews, one‑to‑ones and talent management.

Partnerships & Governance

Work collaboratively with colleagues across Environment, Highways, Counter Fraud and other services to improve customer experience.

Develop effective consultation and communication arrangements with residents, Members and stakeholders.

Liaise with Members through meetings, walkabouts and Member enquiries.

Prepare and present clear written and verbal reports to Members, senior leadership and external bodies.

Deputise for the Chief Officer at Cabinet, Scrutiny, Senior Leadership Team and external meetings as required.

Contribute to multi‑disciplinary project teams and whole‑service partnership strategies.

Additional Requirements

Flexible and agile approach to working hours and location, including remote and home working where required.

Compliance with data protection legislation and information security policies.

Commitment to Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Completion and maintenance of mandatory training in line with legislation.

Undertake additional duties consistent with the seniority and nature of the role as required.

The Ideal Candidate

You will be an experienced senior leader with a strong background in waste management, environmental services or street scene operations, ideally within a local authority setting. You will bring proven expertise in strategic leadership, financial management, contract management and service transformation within complex, high‑demand environments.

Apply

For more details on this position and to apply, contact Prakash by emailing (url removed) or call (phone number removed)