Borough Operations Manager - Waste Services

Salary

Grade M £64,815 - £68,265

About The Role

Borough Operations Manager - Waste Services

About the role:

Tower Hamlets is seeking an experienced and dynamic Borough Operations Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across our frontline Waste Services.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in one of London's most vibrant and diverse boroughs, leading the delivery of waste, recycling, street cleansing and related environmental services that directly impact the daily lives of residents, businesses and visitors

Reporting to the Head of Waste Services, you will lead operational management teams responsible for delivering high-quality, safe and efficient services across both day and night operations. You will oversee service performance, workforce management, budget control, resource allocation, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement, ensuring services consistently meet operational and customer expectations.

As a key leader within the service, you will play a critical role in maintaining high standards of operational conduct, performance, health and safety, and environmental compliance. You will build strong relationships with residents, businesses, elected members, contractors, housing providers, trade unions and internal stakeholders, ensuring excellent customer service and effective partnership working across the borough.

Using your operational expertise and leadership skills, you will contribute to the strategic development and transformation of Waste Services, helping to shape innovative solutions that improve environmental outcomes, increase recycling performance and support the Council's sustainability ambitions. Working closely with Fleet Services, Health and Safety, Human Resources, Training and Technical Support teams, you will help drive service modernisation and embrace new technologies and digital approaches to improve operational efficiency and performance.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated and passionate team at the forefront of waste management innovation. We are committed to delivering cleaner streets, sustainable services and environmental excellence, while investing in our people through tailored development opportunities, collaborative working and a culture of continuous improvement.

About You

You will have substantial experience managing waste, recycling, cleansing or environmental services operations, ideally within a local authority or similarly complex environment.

You will possess:

• A proven record at a senior management level of delivering successful, high performing, efficient, front line municipal waste services.

• A thorough understanding and working knowledge of waste management legislation, policy, and industry best practice.

• Have a flexible approach to your work pattern, taking account of the 24-hour, 7 day a week services being delivered.

• Extensive knowledge and operational experience of the delivery of underground refuse services, URS.

• Experience of managing budgets, resources, workforce planning and performance.

• Strong leadership, communication and relationship-management skills.

• Experience of using technology and performance information to drive service improvement and operational efficiency.

• The ability to influence, collaborate and build partnerships across a wide range of stakeholders.

• A relevant degree or professional qualification in waste management, environmental services or a related discipline, or substantial equivalent experience

Our Values

Tower Hamlets' vision is to create a borough where people are aspirational, independent and have equal access to opportunities; where residents are proud of where they live; and where services are delivered through innovation, partnership working and a relentless focus on outcomes.

We are looking for people who embody our TOWER values:

Together • Open • Willing • Excellent • Respect

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We support flexible working arrangements and particularly welcome applications from those who live in the borough

You hold

A valid full driving licence (Category C1)
Our Benefits

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.

***We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. To avoid disappointment please submit your application as soon as possible.

About Tower Hamlets

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.