Director of Public Realm - The Guardian : Job Details

Director of Public Realm

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Salary: £107k - £128k

The Role

This is a unique opportunity to lead public realm services in one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs. Tower Hamlets is one of the most visited and high-profile places in the country and you’ll be responsible for the cleanliness of famous streets like Brick Lane and Columbia Road.

Reporting to the Corporate Director for Communities, you will oversee the strategic direction and operational delivery of Tower Hamlets' public spaces, ensuring they are clean, safe, and accessible for all.

This role encompasses:  

• Developing and delivering a vision for world-class public realm services across the borough.  
• Provide innovative solutions to help improve our recycling rates.
• Leading key areas including waste management, street cleaning, parks and open spaces, highways maintenance, and enforcement services.  
• Drive informed commitment to sustainability and environmental management, aligning with the borough’s net-zero ambitions.  
• Successfully deliver the public realm capital investment programme and ongoing excellent service delivery through strong financial stewardship and effective team leadership.  
• Engaging with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to foster community pride and collaboration in maintaining Tower Hamlets' public spaces.  
• Ensure Tower Hamlets has robust continuity plans and respond as necessary to major disruption.

Tower Hamlets  

Tower Hamlets is a vibrant and diverse borough – a city within a city. From the Lower Lea Valley to Canary Wharf, Spitalfields, and Poplar, it offers the best of London in one place.

As one of the UK’s most high-profile and dynamic areas, the borough is brimming with ambition, with a clear focus on delivering great placemaking and new homes for its residents.

The borough is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through exceptional public services and transformational projects. This is an exciting time to join Tower Hamlets, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping its future.  

Candidates

We are seeking a strategic and innovative public realm professional with substantial experience in managing large-scale public realm services. Key qualities that will be required for success include:  

• Leadership: A proven track record of leading cultural and operational change to deliver exceptional services.  
• Operational Excellence: Expertise in waste management, environmental services, highways, or similar fields.  
• Sustainability Focus: A strong understanding of sustainability practices and their application in public realm management.  
• Financial Acumen: Demonstrated ability to manage significant budgets while delivering value for money.  
• Stakeholder Engagement: Exceptional communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with residents, businesses, and partners.  
• Cultural and political Sensitivity: Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, coupled with the strong belief in the value of local democracy and community sensitivities.

We value leaders who embody our TOWER values: Together, Open, Willing, Excellent, and Respectful.

Next Steps

Tower Hamlets offers an environment where your leadership will have a tangible impact on the daily lives of over 300,000 residents. You will join a forward-thinking team passionate about delivering sustainable, innovative solutions that enhance community spaces, improve quality of life, and leave a lasting legacy.  

For more information, please visit:https://recruitment.towerhamlets.gov.uk/

To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact:

• Bruna Varante: /
• Kelly Ridley: /

Closing Date: Midnight, Thursday 30th January 2025