Head of Waste (Redeployment 23547)

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
• Salary: 72329 - 81708 per annum
• Hours: 37 hour per week flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

This is a rare opportunity in Growth Highways and Infrastructure. As Head of Waste you will lead our statutory waste services and critical functions with expenditure of over 40 million per year working closely in partnership and helping to deliver value for money for Suffolks taxpayers whilst protecting and enhancing the environment.

With a new administration recently elected to lead the council Suffolk preparing for Local Government Reorganisation and the creation of a Mayoral County Combined Authority this is an exciting time to influence the strategic direction of key services for our residents businesses and communities.

Your role and responsibilities

In this role youll lead how waste services are shaped and delivered across Suffolk balancing long-term environmental ambitions with the day to day reality of running a complex high-profile service.

That means youll:

• take the lead on Suffolks statutory waste responsibilities and be the councils go-to expert on waste
• shape our strategy and direction helping us move towards a more sustainable circular approach
• work closely with district and borough councils through the Suffolk Waste Partnership to improve services
• oversee key contracts programmes and infrastructure that keep services running effectively
• play a central role in Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) helping design how services look in the future
• ensure we are making the best use of a significant budget delivering value for money
• represent Suffolk more widely building relationships and influencing thinking beyond the county
• support and develop a skilled committed team and create an environment where people can do their best work

A big part of the role is also about influence helping drive the behaviours partnerships and ideas that will reduce waste and improve reuse and recycling across Suffolk.

You will need

This role would suit someone who is comfortable leading at a strategic level but who also understands what it takes to deliver services on the ground.

Youll bring experience perspective and sound judgement along with the ability to build strong relationships and navigate complex challenges.

Were particularly interested in people who can:

• show strong experience in waste environmental services or a related area
• think strategically while staying focused on delivery
• work confidently with senior stakeholders and elected members
• use data and insight to inform decisions and investment
• build partnerships and bring people with them
• stay resilient and adaptable especially in a changing environment

You can view a full list of requirements in theJob and Person Profile (JPP) which you can find in the How to apply section towards the bottom of this advert.

If you believe you can succeed in this role apply. Even if you dont meet all requirements still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

Youll be part of our Environment and Waste function within the Growth Highways and Infrastructure directorate.

Its a collaborative outward-facing team that works closely with partners across Suffolk and beyond. Theres a shared focus on doing the right thing for the environment while delivering good reliable services for residents.

This is also a team thats evolving with LGR ahead theres a real opportunity to shape what comes next and how we work together in the future.

Empowering Everyone

Were big believers in potential possibility and the power of different ideas. Were always searching for ways to encourage respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Steve Palfrey for a casual conversation. You can reach them by either calling or emailing .

If you want to apply for a secondment read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click Apply Now to start your online application.

Step 3 - Provide a one-page personal statement explaining why you should be considered for the role along with a copy of your CV.

• You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).
• Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.

For guidance on completing your application please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills experience and ideas. If used inappropriately your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand whats acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team by either emailing calling . You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If youre invited to the next stage youll have another chance to request adjustments.

Closing date:11.30pm 4 June 2026

Interview date: 15 June 2026

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.