About the Role
Tower Hamlets is on the lookout for motivated Waste Operations Supervisors to join the Waste Services team to supervise and directly monitor and observe waste and recycling collections and street, markets and parks’ cleansing operations. The successful postholders will ensure that the service is conducted safely, efficiently and effectively within budget, evidenced by the completion of scheduled tasks to set standards and financial reporting.
Key Responsibilities
- Check and book in staff including agency resources and allocate the required fleet vehicle and/or equipment for all scheduled operational tasks.
- Ensure that all staff convey a positive corporate image and wear appropriate uniform/PPE.
- Provide clarity around expected outcomes and standards, providing clear instructions for daily accountability for completed service tasks and schedules to the required standard.
- Ensure that standards of work and conduct are consistently maintained by identifying staff performance issues, health and safety compliance, training and development needs, conduct and sickness absence issues.
- Take appropriate early action in line with the Council’s HR policies and in consultation with Environmental Managers on performance management.
- Debrief crews and individual staff as necessary at the end of the shift and ensure that full details of work completed and non-completed and any incidents/issues are captured on the relevant records.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and communities to ensure the council and the directorate strategic priorities are effectively implemented.
About You
You will bring or hold:
- A valid full driving licence (Category C1).
- Several years’ experience of working in a waste management operational environment.
- Excellent communication, relationship management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience in using information technology software and equipment to meet work demands of waste operations’ supervision and monitoring.
We encourage applications from operatives who are keen to advance their careers in waste management. This is an excellent opportunity to develop supervisory experience, demonstrate ambition in delivering high standards, and promote excellence within the service. The role also offers the chance to coach our hard-working teams to meet our high standards.
Council employee benefits:
Competitive salary £39,807 – 41,637.
Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.
Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.
Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.
- One of the positions will be dedicated to the night service and all successful candidates will be required to periodically work across different shifts to cover for colleagues.
Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.
Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.
As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.
At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.
