About the Role
and our Ideal Candidate
The Policy and Projects Manager will lead for the service on the review of existing performance, the implementation of key projects, and the development of policy to support the Council's Climate Change ambitions and delivery of the Environment Strategy strategy. You will be expected to collaborate effectively and proactively with colleagues and other key stakeholders to ensure the efficient and seamless delivery of services, contributing actively to the development and implementation of broader corporate strategies and initiatives.
Working closely with the Head of Service, Contracts Manager, contractors and other key stakeholders the postholder will;
1. continuously identify and evaluate opportunities for operational improvements, recommending and implementing changes to business processes that result in cost-effective services while consistently meeting agreed-upon quality standards and performance targets.
2. identify, develop, and implement commercially viable service delivery models, actively exploring avenues for income generation, achieving cost savings, and maximising resource efficiency.
3. represent the service at various forums, including Council Committees, friends groups meetings, public gatherings, and meetings with other partner (officer) groups and local organisations, effectively communicating service objectives and performance.
4. develop compelling bids and actively pursue external funding opportunities to enhance service delivery.
About Us
This is a new role within the Waste and Street Cleansing Team in the Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods Directorate. The Policy and Projects Manager will report to the Head of Service for Waste and Street Cleansing.
The team is responsible for managing and delivering services and contracts for residential waste and recycling collections, street cleaning, winter gritting, and environmental enforcement. This includes proactive education, awareness, and enforcement of environmental crimes such as fly-tipping, littering, and dog fouling, underpinned by the Environmental Protection Act.
Our work directly supports the Council’s "Ambitious for Sutton" Corporate Plan;
5. Action on climate change by seeking reductions in litter and fly-tipping, and supporting the Council’s Sustainability Strategy.
6. Aiming to become the top UK borough for recycling through effective contract management and supporting communication campaigns to encourage waste reduction and increased recycling.
7. An efficient and well-run Council by improving customer service and ensuring financial efficiency.
The service is currently undergoing a period of transformation. This is an exciting time for waste and street cleansing services in the borough. We are a high performer, have great resident satisfaction, and new waste and enforcement contracts that have both been commissioned in the last 6 months. As we navigate legislative changes including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), and Simpler/more Consistent Recycling systems the Policy and Projects Manager supported by the Policy Officer Officer will play a crucial role in ensuring services adapt to this evolving regulatory environment, ensuring compliance and to capitalise on potential opportunities for enhanced efficiency and environmental performance.
Our Offer To You
As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential and will offer you a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment to grow and develop your career and skills. We’re constantly striving to improve our ways of working so putting your ideas across however big or small; will be fully encouraged and supported by your colleagues and our dynamic and experienced management team.
Employees have access to a wide range of benefits to enable staff to achieve a work life balance, some of which include:
8. A generous annual leave entitlement of 26-31 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time working hours apply) depending on service and grade
9. Enhanced Maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependents leave
10. Two volunteering days per year
11. Flexible Working - Smarter Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
12. Adjustable and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks
13. Learning and development portal offering a range of courses
14. Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres
15. Interest free season ticket loans
16. Local Government Pension Scheme
17. Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
18. Zip car scheme
19. Confidential health & wellbeing and counselling support