Programme Manager

Overview

The North Waste Collections and Street Scene Service Manager is responsible for the delivery of five frontline in-house statutory services across North Buckinghamshire; waste collection (domestic and commercial), street cleansing, grounds maintenance, waste fleet management and a newly developed waste transfer station.

We are looking for an experienced and driven Programme Manager to lead the delivery of key transformation programmes across Waste Collection and Street Scene Services in North Buckinghamshire.

This role is responsible for shaping and delivering strategic change across multiple frontline services including waste collection (domestic and commercial), street cleansing, grounds maintenance, fleet operations, and waste infrastructure. You will oversee complex programmes that improve service performance, ensure legislative compliance, and enhance customer outcomes.

Leading across multidisciplinary teams, the role requires strong programme governance, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, politically aware environment.

About us

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 and libraries. The customer is central to how we develop and deliver all of these services, which help promote our rich and vibrant culture.

This is a high-impact leadership role within the Waste and Street Scene senior management team. You will design, mobilise, and deliver programmes that transform service delivery, improve efficiency, and respond to emerging legislative and environmental challenges.

You will work closely with operational leaders, corporate services, elected members, and external partners to ensure programme outcomes align with council priorities and deliver tangible benefits.

No two days are the same – from developing business cases and managing programme risks to leading stakeholder engagement and driving cultural change across services.
The role holder will be required to be flexible in their working hours over the 37 hours per week, being able to potentially start and finish later depending upon service requirements.

About the role

You will

• Lead and deliver major programmes across waste and street scene services, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities.
• Develop and manage programme plans, governance frameworks, risks, and budgets.
• Identify and implement service improvements, efficiencies, and transformation initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders including Members, senior officers, partners, and unions.
• Develop high-quality business cases, reports, and options appraisals to support decision-making.
• Ensure programmes comply with legal, regulatory, and environmental requirements.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and high performance.

About you

Make a real difference – Lead programmes that directly impact communities and environmental outcomes.
Drive transformation – Shape the future of frontline services in a large and ambitious authority.
Work at scale – Deliver complex, high-value programmes across multiple service areas.
Career growth – Operate at a senior level with opportunities to influence strategy and policy.
Strong benefits package – Competitive salary, Local Government Pension Scheme, and a wide range of staff benefits.

We are looking for someone who thrives on challenge, brings innovative thinking, and can turn strategic ambition into successful delivery.

• Proven experience delivering complex programmes in a large, multidisciplinary organisation.
• Strong knowledge of programme and project management methodologies.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including experience working in politically sensitive environments.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at senior levels.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in programme management, environmental services, or a related field.

Other information

Stage 1 interviews: tbc . Successful candidates will then be invited back for a final stage interview.

Contact Head of North Waste Collection and Street Scene Services Rebecca Newbutt on [email protected]

Our values

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Accountable, 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.

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/