6 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Title: Service Manager – Environmental Operations
Location: Hackney, London
Rate: £31.19 – £42.03 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: Full-Time, Shift-Based (Days, Evenings, Nights & Weekends)
Job Purpose
The Service Manager – Environmental Operations is responsible for the strategic and operational management of frontline environmental services across the borough. The postholder will lead and develop a large operational workforce, ensuring the efficient delivery of cleansing, waste collection, recycling, and public realm services while maintaining high standards of customer service, compliance, health and safety, and environmental performance.
The role will ensure services are responsive to resident and stakeholder needs, deliver value for money, and contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, and sustainable environment for the local community.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Management
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Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of environmental operations across the borough.
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Manage services including:
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Street and estate cleansing
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Domestic and commercial refuse collection
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Recycling services
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Waste management operations
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Graffiti removal
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Public realm maintenance
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Gulley cleansing and flood prevention
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Markets cleansing services
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Winter maintenance activities
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Waste transfer station operations
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Ensure service delivery meets all statutory, contractual, and operational requirements.
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Provide management cover across a 24-hour operational service, including evenings, nights, and weekends.
Leadership and People Management
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Lead, motivate, and manage a workforce of up to 150 employees through Supervisors and an Assistant Service Manager.
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Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance.
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Manage employee performance, attendance, disciplinary, grievance, and capability matters in accordance with organisational policies.
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Promote staff development through coaching, mentoring, and training initiatives.
Performance and Service Improvement
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Monitor service performance against agreed KPIs and service standards.
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Identify operational challenges and implement effective solutions to improve service delivery.
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Investigate and respond to service failures, customer complaints, and operational incidents.
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Drive continuous improvement initiatives to maximise efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Financial Management
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Manage operational budgets and resources effectively.
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Monitor expenditure and identify opportunities for cost savings and service efficiencies.
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Ensure effective utilisation of vehicles, equipment, and workforce resources.
Health, Safety and Compliance
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Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation, environmental regulations, and organisational policies.
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Promote a strong health and safety culture across all operational teams.
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Conduct risk assessments and ensure appropriate control measures are implemented.
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Monitor contractor performance and compliance where applicable.
Stakeholder Engagement
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Build and maintain positive relationships with residents, councillors, community groups, contractors, and other stakeholders.
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Attend meetings and provide operational advice and updates as required.
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Resolve service-related issues professionally and effectively.
Experience Required
Essential
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Significant experience managing large operational teams within environmental services, waste management, street cleansing, facilities management, or a similar operational environment.
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Proven experience delivering high-performing frontline public services.
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Experience managing complex operational activities across multiple service areas.
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Demonstrable track record of performance management, service improvement, and achieving operational targets.
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Experience managing budgets, resources, and workforce planning.
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Experience dealing with customer complaints, service issues, and stakeholder engagement.
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Strong knowledge of health and safety requirements within operational environments.
Desirable
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Experience working within a Local Authority environment.
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Experience managing 24-hour operational services.
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Experience overseeing waste transfer stations or commercial waste services.
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Knowledge of environmental legislation and waste management regulations.
Qualifications & Skills
Essential
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Full UK Driving Licence.
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Relevant management-level experience within environmental services, waste management, cleansing operations, or a related sector.
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Strong leadership and people management skills.
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Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
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Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office and performance management systems.
Desirable
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IOSH Managing Safely qualification or willingness to obtain.
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Level 3 Qualification in Waste Management, Environmental Services, Leadership & Management, or a related discipline.
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Professional membership of a relevant industry body (e.g., CIWM).
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NEBOSH or other health and safety qualification.
Working Hours
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Flexible shift working across days, evenings, nights, and weekends.
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Participation in an on-call and weekend rota where required.
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Availability to respond to emergency operational issues and service demands.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will be:
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A highly motivated and results-driven operational leader.
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Customer-focused with a commitment to service excellence.
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Resilient and capable of managing high-profile services in a fast-paced environment.
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Able to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
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Committed to continuous improvement, health and safety, and environmental sustainability
Additional Information
Location: Hackney, London
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Rate: £31.19 – £42.03 per hour (Umbrella)
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Contract Type: Full-Time, Shift-Based (Days, Evenings, Nights & Weekends)
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Driving Requirement: A full UK driving licence is essential for this role.
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The service operates on a 24-hour basis, and the successful candidate must be willing to work flexibly across day, evening, and night shifts, including participation in a weekend rota.
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This is an excellent opportunity to lead critical frontline environmental services within a dynamic local authority and make a tangible impact on the local community and environment.
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Pay Schedule: Payments are made on a bi-weekly basis.
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Closing Date: 8th July. Early applications are strongly encouraged as the vacancy may close once sufficient applications have been received.
