Head of Waste Strategy

Overview

Buckinghamshire Council is embarking on a significant waste transformation programme shaping the future of waste collection and street scene services across the county. Alongside this critical programme is the need to ensure we develop and deliver the Councils Waste Strategy considering the major national reforms, evolving environmental legislation with an expected increase to our recycling rate driving an optimisation of value for money.

Salary £75,300 to 79,065 with a pay award pending.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

Neighbourhood Services sits within the Communities Directorate, delivering essential frontline services that directly impact residents’ day‑to‑day lives. Our ambition is to provide modern, efficient and customer‑focused services that support thriving communities across the county. As we prepare for a transformational procurement and mobilisation programme, this role offers the opportunity to help shape the Council’s strategic direction.

About the role

We are seeking a strong senior waste management leader to take on a pivotal role in shaping our Waste Strategy for Buckinghamshire. As the Head of Waste Strategy, you will directly lead a small team to deliver several major interconnected projects as well as working across Neighbourhood Services leading specialist work streams. Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, Elected Members, partners and the Waste Programme Board. You will benefit from working in a strong unitary council and will help to continue to finalise our harmonisation plans leading on the data project and governance.

 

Key responsibilities:

• Leading the refresh and implementation of the Waste Strategy.
• Developing and implementing the projects to deliver the waste strategy in line with Council priorities.
• Providing strategic leadership and deputising for the Neighbourhood Services Director.
• Overseeing the development of policies, systems, contracts, governance frameworks and performance standards.
• Set up and lead the new Neighbourhood services governance board and data harmonisation plans.
• Offering expert advice to senior leaders, Members, partners and key stakeholders.
• Managing project risks and driving continuous improvement and innovation.
• Leading and developing a multi‑disciplinary teams while ensuring strong financial controls.

For further information on this role please see the attached job summary.

About you

Demonstrates experience of leading complex Waste Management projects or services such as waste collection and or treatment/disposal activities

Extensive and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of waste management, including the policy, practices, procedures, legislation and major issues facing it.

A track record of developing and delivering strategies, ideally waste management within a complex local government or public‑sector environment.

The postholder should have excellent interpersonal and communication and presentation skills, with proven ability to communicate effectively and persuasively to a wide range of audiences both horizontally and vertically throughout the organisation.

Other information

How the team are currently working in office/work from home arrangements:

The team currently work flexibly and there is the expectation that the post holder will be in the office at least 2 days a week with a contracted base in Aylesbury. But there will be an expectation to work from other offices and depot locations as required

Closing date: Tuesday 16th June 2026

Interview date: TBC

Interview-type / process: In-person, 10-minute presentation followed by a competency-based interview process.

If you would like to have an informal conversation with the recruiting manager, please contact: Martin Dickman, Neighbourhood Service Director - [email protected]

This post is politically restricted under the terms of the Local Government Act 1989.

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

About the Service Area

Our Communities directorate work across the county to deliver a number of the key customer facing services that our residents, businesses and visitors rely on every day. This includes collecting and disposing of waste, maintaining highways and managing country parks, leisure facilities, museums, theatres and libraries, as well as developing our cultural strategy. The customer is central to how we develop and deliver all of these services, which help promote our rich and vibrant culture.

We are looking for enthusiastic, ambitious and committed individuals to join our team and help make Buckinghamshire a great place to live, work and visit.  This is an exciting time for us, as we bring together many of the place based services that have previously been run by different authorities.  We manage services through a combination of direct delivery, contract management and commissioning, as well as through our key partnerships.  As part of the function, you will join us on our journey of continuous improvement. Whether that’s through developing strategies and ways of working, or delivering services on the ground – every person in Communities is a valued member of the team.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. We also offer a salary sacrifice personal car lease scheme and the opportunity to gain membership to Costco. We have discounted gym memberships, Travel discounts with Arriva and Chiltern Railways and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/