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A high number of candidates may make applications for this position, so make sure to send your CV and application through as soon as possible.
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 experienced, hands-on leader to help shape the future of East Devon’s StreetScene services. You will manage a team of Area Officers who look after everything from parks and grounds maintenance to street cleansing, coastal defences, toilets across the district, and support for some of East Devon’s most beloved community events.
Every day is different, and you’ll be expected to split your time across the Exmouth and Manstone depots. 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.
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, resource planning, and occasionally rolling up your sleeves when the district needs you.
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:
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* Leading and developing our Area Officers to ensure a proactive, resilient and forward-planning team
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* Raising and maintaining high service standards across a wide range of public spaces
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* Supporting cultural change and embedding strong performance management
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* Managing budgets, resources, procurement and operational planning
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* Deputising for the StreetScene Operations Manager and responding to out-of-hours emergencies
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* Driving improvement projects and championing continuous learning
About 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.
You will be part of a Gold Investors in People (IiP) organisation which works together with local people to create great value services and an outstanding community, economy and environment in which people want to live, work, visit and enjoy now, and for future generations. And with our wide range of health and wellbeing benefits, our highly flexible and collaborative hybrid Worksmart working arrangements as well as our commitment to continuous learning and development, you can be confident of joining a dedicated community of colleagues who are 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
Closing date: 17 December 2025.
Interviews will be held during week commencing 12 January 2026.