Head of Waste and Environment - Cotswold District Council : Job Details

Proud, passionate, ambitious - it couldn’t be a more exciting time to work for Cotswold District Council. We’re searching for the very best people to join us!

The Cotswold District is a great place, and we are rightly proud of our businesses, communities and residents. We’re busy recreating a council that’s responsive to the needs of our residents and businesses in a fast-changing environment.

About the role

Are you a forward-thinking leader with a passion for sustainability and innovation? Do you have the strategic vision to transform waste and environmental services for a greener future? If so, we want to hear from you!

Cotswold District Council is looking for an exceptional Head of Waste and Environment to lead our waste and environmental services team. Working closely with Ubico - our waste and environment service provider, this is a unique opportunity to drive sustainable change, optimise service delivery, and make a tangible impact on our communities.

What you’ll be doing:

Strategic Leadership & Transformation

• Develop and implement a forward-thinking waste and environment strategy.
• Provide expert guidance on procurement, alternative delivery models, and innovative service improvements.
• Lead on cross-council projects, collaborating with partners to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Project & Programme Delivery

• Oversee a portfolio of waste and environmental transformation projects.
• Develop robust business cases, feasibility studies, and project documentation.
• Ensure projects meet quality standards, deliver measurable outcomes, and align with strategic goals.

Operational & Financial Management

• Lead and manage a high-performing team, ensuring effective resource allocation.
• Monitor budgets, drive efficiencies, and implement cost-effective solutions.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Represent the council on waste-related boards and partnerships.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to drive environmental initiatives.
• Champion sustainable practices and ensure service excellence for residents and businesses.

About You

Cotswold District council was ahead of its time in creating a shared waste and environment service delivery company (Ubico) with neighbouring Cheltenham Borough Council. Fast forward and all the councils in Gloucestershire are now part of Ubico. We are looking for a dynamic leader with extensive experience in waste management, environmental services, or a related field, alongside strong strategic and project management skills and a track record of delivering transformational change.

You will need a commercial mindset with experience in procurement, budget management, and resource optimisation. With excellent stakeholder engagement skills, you will have the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels.

The key to this role is a having a passion for sustainability and a commitment to driving innovation in environmental services.

Join us in making the Cotswolds cleaner, greener, and more sustainable for future generations.

Special Conditions

• Full UK driving licence with access to a car for work purposes.
• This post designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Politically restricted post holders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.

For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.

What can we do for you

• Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
• Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
• 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 29 days after five years of service
• In addition, you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
• Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care

• Generous contributory local government pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements

Terms and conditions apply

How to apply:

If you feel this is the role for you please email your CV and supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria above by emailing our Recruitment partners at Publica or contact the recruitment team.

Your application will not be considered if you have not provided a supporting statement, in addition to your CV.

Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.

Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.