Borough Operations Manager

Tower Hamlets is seeking an experienced and dynamic Borough Operations Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across our frontline Waste Services.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in one of London's most vibrant and diverse boroughs, leading the delivery of waste, recycling, street cleansing and related environmental services that directly impact the daily lives of residents, businesses and visitors.

Reporting to the Head of Waste Services, you will lead operational management teams responsible for delivering high-quality, safe and efficient services across both day and night operations. You will oversee service performance, workforce management, budget control, resource allocation, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement, ensuring services consistently meet operational and customer expectations.

As a key leader within the service, you will play a critical role in maintaining high standards of operational conduct, performance, health and safety, and environmental compliance. You will build strong relationships with residents, businesses, elected members, contractors, housing providers, trade unions and internal stakeholders, ensuring excellent customer service and effective partnership working across the borough.

Using your operational expertise and leadership skills, you will contribute to the strategic development and transformation of Waste Services, helping to shape innovative solutions that improve environmental outcomes, increase recycling performance and support the Council's sustainability ambitions. Working closely with Fleet Services, Health and Safety, Human Resources, Training and Technical Support teams, you will help drive service modernisation and embrace new technologies and digital approaches to improve operational efficiency and performance.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated and passionate team at the forefront of waste management innovation. We are committed to delivering cleaner streets, sustainable services and environmental excellence, while investing in our people through tailored development opportunities, collaborative working and a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• A proven record at a senior management level of delivering successful, high performing, efficient, front line municipal waste services.
• A thorough understanding and working knowledge of waste management legislation, policy, and industry best practice.
• Have a flexible approach to your work pattern, taking account of the 24-hour, 7 day a week services being delivered.
• Extensive knowledge and operational experience of the delivery of underground refuse services, URS.
• Experience of managing budgets, resources, workforce planning and performance.
• Strong leadership, communication and relationship-management skills.
• Experience of using technology and performance information to drive service improvement and operational efficiency.
• The ability to influence, collaborate and build partnerships across a wide range of stakeholders.
• A relevant degree or professional qualification in waste management, environmental services or a related discipline, or substantial equivalent experience.

Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
• Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.
• Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.
• Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
• Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.