Role Summary
Temporary Head of Waste Management – interim, full‑time – up to £650/day umbrella. Location: Chelmsford. Closing date: 7th December 2025. Date of announcement: 18th–19th December interviews.
This is a senior leadership role within one of the UK’s largest waste disposal authorities. The role involves managing services that handle over 650,000 tonnes of waste annually across Essex, overseeing 21 recycling centres, 4 transfer stations and multiple closed landfill sites, supported by a workforce of over 200 operational staff. Responsibilities include strategic oversight of multi‑million‑pound contracts (over £1 billion in total), commercial arrangements, performance management and compliance within a high‑risk, regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Operational management – safe and efficient day‑to‑day management of all recycling centres, transfer stations and haulage fleet.
* Health and Safety – manage all health and safety issues for WDA services, ensuring safety and compliance for staff, contractors and the public.
* Financial control – robust financial management of waste budgets (~£90 m per annum), savings targets and forecasting.
* Major procurements – support and advise on existing procurements, waste management practices and operational excellence.
* Closed landfill sites – ensure sites are managed per regulatory requirements and maximise revenue.
* Contract management – work with the central contract management function to ensure major contractors deliver excellent service levels.
* Line management – direct line management of 7 staff and overall responsibility for all (200+) waste operations staff, ensuring clear priorities, objectives and policies.
* Stakeholder management – collaborate with 12 Waste Collection Authorities across Essex to provide effective waste disposal and treatment directions.
* Project management – undertake assigned projects, delivering agreed outcomes on time, within budget and to the required standard.
Qualifications & Experience
* Chartered Waste Manager (MCIWM) with extensive senior waste service leadership experience.
* Sound knowledge of current and emerging waste and resources policy and legislation.
* In‑depth understanding of operational techniques and practices (recycling centre operations, waste transfer operations, waste treatment and disposal methods) and experience managing complex waste‑related contracts.
* Considerable experience managing multi‑million‑pound budgets and forecasting future requirements.
* Experience in staff management and commitment to staff development.
* Effective communication skills across diverse audiences – members, directors, waste officers, operatives, public.
* High skill in ensuring compliance with environmental permitting and health and safety guidance and legislation relevant to local authority collected wastes.
* High skill in managing waste contractors, ensuring value for money and delivery to agreed time‑scales.
Benefits & Opportunities
As part of Essex County Council, you will contribute to a low‑carbon, circular economy, work within a stimulating public‑service environment, and have access to flexible working options. Essex Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and encourages disabled applicants under the Job Interview Scheme. We also interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. The role requires mobility; a driving licence and access to a vehicle or alternative arrangement is necessary.
Additional benefits include support for unpaid carers and flexible arrangements to accommodate their needs. Essex County Council values integrity and ethical behaviour; applicants are encouraged to embrace the code of conduct and Nolan principles.
For further information or to apply, please send your CV to Essexsharedservices@essex.gov.uk.
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