Please apply online via the link provided.
StreetScene Deputy Operations Manager
£44,075 - £51,356 per year
Permanent
Full time with a range of flexibilities, including hybrid working, aligned to our Worksmart arrangements
East Devon
About the role
If you’re someone who thrives on variety, loves being out and about, and takes real pride in seeing the impact of your work across a whole district, this could be your next big move.
We’re looking for an additional experienced, hands-on leader to help shape the future of East Devon’s StreetScene services. Working alongside our existing deputy operations manager you will each manage a team of 3 assigned Area Officers, with this vacancy also having responsibility for our Horticultural Officer. You will look after everything from parks and grounds maintenance to street cleansing, coastal defences, and public toilets across the district, and support some of East Devon’s most beloved community events.
Every day is different, and you’ll be expected to co-ordinate the split your time across the Exmouth and Manstone depots with your colleague. One moment you’re planning improvements or driving cultural change, the next you’re troubleshooting an urgent issue, supporting a team member, liaising with a community group, or stepping in to ensure smooth operations. You’ll be at the heart of a service that is highly visible, hugely valued, and central to how East Devon looks and feels.
With stunning natural surroundings, a supportive and varied team, and the chance to deliver meaningful improvements for local communities, this is a job where you can genuinely see the difference you make.
You’ll be responsible for:
* Leading and developing our Area Officers and Horticultural Officer to ensure a proactive, resilient and forward-planning team
* Raising and maintaining high service standards across a wide range of parks/public spaces
* Supporting cultural change and embedding strong performance management
* Managing budgets, resources, procurement and operational planning
* Deputising for the StreetScene Operations Manager and responding to out-of-hours emergencies
* Driving improvement projects and championing continuous learning
About you
This role is perfect for someone with a strong operational background - ideally across StreetScene functions - who enjoys leading multifunctional teams, driving performance, and fostering a positive, forward-thinking culture. You’ll also be comfortable with budgets, health and safety, recruitment, resource planning, and occasionally rolling up your sleeves when the district needs you.
You’ll bring an NVQ Level 4 in Leadership/Management (or equivalent experience), plus a relevant Level 3 qualification. Experience in high-risk operational environments, ideally within environmental or public realm services, is essential. You’ll be a confident leader—organised, calm under pressure, customer-focused, and ready to take ownership. A full driving licence and flexibility to respond to the unexpected are must-haves.
About us
StreetScene offers the opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact on how East Devon looks and feels. The service works closely with colleagues and a wide range of community groups—including Green Flag, Britain in Bloom and Blue Flag partners—to deliver impressive outcomes with limited resources, while supporting major local events such as Sidmouth Folk Week and Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels. Our broad knowledge of the district places us in a unique position to assist teams across the Council, often acting as the trusted first point of contact when issues arise. As one of the most publicly visible services, operating seven days a week, StreetScene provides both challenge and a strong sense of purpose. It is a role where the contribution you make is highly valued by both the Council and the community.
Our last Local Government Association Peer Challenge highlighted that “EDDC is a great place to work, with engaged staff and members” — and we couldn’t agree more. You’ll be joining an organisation that puts people at the heart of everything we do, working collaboratively with our communities to deliver high‑quality services and create an outstanding place to live, work, visit and enjoy. With a strong focus on wellbeing, a highly flexible and supportive hybrid Worksmart approach, and a commitment to continuous learning and development, you can be confident of joining a workforce culture where colleagues are empowered to be Happy, Healthy and Here.
For more about working for East Devon District Council, visit
For an informal discussion, please contact Julia Woodbridge, StreetScene Operations Manager on 07709 720714 or email julia.woodbridge@eastdevon.gov.uk
Closing date: 3 May 2026 at midnight
Interviews will be held during week commencing 11 May 2026.
To apply online, please click on the apply button above.