Are you an experienced programme manager looking to make a real impact on essential frontline services?
We’re looking for a Programme Manager - North Waste (18 Month Fix term) to lead the delivery of complex projects that shape how waste and street scene services are delivered in the North of the County, and across Buckinghamshire. This is a high-impact role, helping us deliver efficient, sustainable and customer-focused services for our communities.
You’ll play a critical role in driving forward our Waste Strategy priorities, managing service and systems transformation and working with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver innovative, high-quality outcomes.
Buckinghamshire Council is responsible for delivering vital waste services to residents. As part of our Neighbourhood Services directorate, we are committed to delivering efficient, sustainable and forward-thinking waste management solutions.
We are working to modernise and transform our services - responding to national policy changes, environmental priorities and the needs of our communities. Collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement underpin everything we do.
As Programme Manager - North Waste, you will lead and manage a complex portfolio of waste-related projects, supporting strategic, financial, procurement and service delivery priorities.
Working closely with senior leaders, service teams and external partners, you will be responsible for delivering and supporting projects that include service transformation, harmonisation of waste services, and the development of future delivery models, with a specific focus on the North of the County.
You’ll ensure projects are delivered to agreed time, cost and quality parameters, using structured project management methodologies (such as PRINCE2), while proactively managing risks and ensuring strong governance throughout.
In this role, you will:
- Lead and manage complex waste management programmes and projects from inception through to delivery
- Develop business cases, project plans and implementation strategies aligned to service priorities.
- Ensure projects are delivered to agreed timescales, budgets and quality standards.
- Establish clear governance, tracking and transparent reporting frameworks to regularly update on project performance and milestones, including the production of high-quality dashboards and progress reports for the service, director and Members.
- Lead on and support service transformation programmes, including future delivery models and service harmonisation.
- Analyse complex information, identify trends and recommend solutions to improve service delivery.
This role requires an experienced and confident programme manager, with an understanding of or willingness to learn about waste management practices and legislation.
You will be comfortable leading complex and high-profile projects, working across organisational boundaries and influencing a wide range of stakeholders.
You will have:
- Significant experience in project and/or programme management, including delivery of complex projects
- Proven ability to manage projects to time, cost and quality constraints
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and develop innovative solutions
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and collaborate effectively
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage a complex workload
- Excellent communication skills, including report writing, presentations and business case development
- Experience of risk management, governance and performance monitoring
It would be advantageous if you also have:
- Educated to degree level or have relevant professional experience
- Understanding of local authority environments and politically sensitive decision-making
The team currently work flexibly and there is the expectation that the post holder will be in the office at least three days a week. There will be an expectation to work from other Council offices and depot locations as required.
Closing date: 9th August 2026
Interview date: TBC
Interview-type / process: In-person
If you would like to have an informal conversation with the recruiting manager, please contact: John Mooteealoo, Head of North Waste and Street Scene Services – [email protected]
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
- All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions
For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro
We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.
We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Accountable, Collaborative and Trustworthy.
By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:
- A fair and inclusive culture.
- The chance to really make a difference to those around you.
- Health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops.
- A unified voice through our Employee Representative Group.
- Ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us.
- Opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events.
Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. We also offer a salary sacrifice personal car lease scheme and the opportunity to gain membership to Costco. We have discounted gym memberships, Travel discounts with Arriva and Chiltern Railways and much more.
https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/
