Strategic Manager – Waste and Environment

Isle of Wight Council; Thorley; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in the UK is seeking a Strategic Manager for Waste & Environment to lead teams in shaping sustainable practices. This role involves managing significant partnerships, overseeing environmental projects, and navigating a complex political landscape. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of environmental services, and the drive to lead transformative change.

Qualifications

• Deep professional knowledge in waste and environmental services.
• Strong track record of leadership; comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels.
• Ability to navigate a political environment and engage with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead two teams focused on Waste & Public Realm, and Climate, Coast & Environment.
• Manage high-value partnerships including NHS waste and energy services.
• Oversee coastal protection and beach management.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Negotiation

Job description

Overview

The Isle of Wight Council is seeking a bold and visionary leader to take on a pivotal role in shaping the Island’s environmental future. As Strategic Manager for Waste & Environment, you will be at the forefront of delivering sustainable change across a landscape that is both geographically unique and environmentally ambitious.

Responsibilities

• Lead two dynamic teams—Waste & Public Realm, and Climate, Coast & Environment—bringing together operational delivery, strategic planning, and contract management to drive forward the council’s environmental priorities.
• Act as deputy Authority Representative for our major Waste Contract.
• Manage high-value partnerships including NHS waste and energy services.
• Lead large-scale projects that demand both technical expertise and political sensitivity.
• Influence, negotiate and inspire to achieve outcomes.

Role context

Oversee coastal protection and beach management; deliver our Climate, Biosphere and Sustainability strategy; ensure our work touches every corner of the Island and supports future resilience.

Candidate profile / Qualifications

• Deep professional knowledge in waste and environmental services.
• Strong track record of leadership; comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels.
• Ability to navigate a political environment, engage with elected members, and build trusted relationships with stakeholders across sectors.

About the role

This is more than a management role—it is an opportunity to lead with purpose, to innovate in public service, and to make a lasting impact on a place that matters. The Isle of Wight offers a rare blend of challenge and opportunity, and we are looking for someone with the ambition, resilience and drive to meet it head-on.

If you are ready to lead transformative change in a council committed to sustainability, inclusion and excellence, we would love to hear from you.

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to shape the future of a place that matters.