Project Manager (Waste)

Overview

Are you an experienced project manager looking to make a real impact on essential frontline services?

We’re looking for a Waste Project Manager to lead the delivery of complex programmes and projects that shape how waste services are delivered across Buckinghamshire. This is a high-impact role at the centre of transformation, strategy and service improvement—helping us deliver efficient, sustainable and customer-focused services for our communities.

You’ll play a critical role in driving forward our Waste Strategy priorities, managing large-scale change and working with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver innovative, high-quality outcomes.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is responsible for delivering vital waste services to residents across the county. As part of our Neighbourhood Services directorate, we are committed to delivering efficient, sustainable and forward-thinking waste management solutions.

We are working to modernise and transform our services—responding to national policy changes, environmental priorities and the needs of our communities. Collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement underpin everything we do.

About the role

As Waste Project Manager, you will lead and manage a complex portfolio of waste-related programmes and projects, supporting strategic, financial, procurement and service delivery priorities.

Working closely with senior leaders, service teams and external partners, you will be responsible for delivering projects that include service transformation, harmonisation of waste services, and the development of future delivery models.

You’ll ensure projects are delivered to agreed time, cost and quality parameters, using structured project management methodologies (such as PRINCE2), while proactively managing risks and ensuring strong governance throughout.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage complex waste management programmes and projects from inception through to delivery
• Develop business cases, project plans and implementation strategies aligned to service priorities.
• Ensure projects are delivered to agreed timescales, budgets and quality standards.
• Lead on service transformation programmes, including future delivery models and service harmonisation.
• Coordinate consultation responses and implementation plans, working with technical specialists as required.
• Analyse complex information, identify trends and recommend solutions to improve service delivery.
• Lead the identification and securing of external funding opportunities, including bid development and submission.

About you

This role requires an experienced and confident project or programme manager, ideally with a background in waste management, environmental services or a related field.

You will be comfortable leading complex and high-profile projects, working across organisational boundaries and influencing a wide range of stakeholders.

You will have:

• Significant experience in project and/or programme management, including delivery of complex projects
• Proven ability to manage projects to time, cost and quality constraints
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and develop innovative solutions
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and collaborate effectively
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage a complex workload
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing, presentations and business case development
• Experience of risk management, governance and performance monitoring

It would be advantageous if you also have:

• A degree or professional qualification in an environmental or related discipline
• Experience of securing external funding or managing bids
• Understanding of local authority environments and politically sensitive decision-making

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is required for this role.

Other information

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

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

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/