Head of Waste Operations

LARAC bookinglab Limited; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public service organization in Chelmsford is seeking a high-level leader for Waste Disposal management. The role oversees complex operations handling over 650,000 tonnes of waste, including 21 Recycling Centres and multiple landfill sites. It entails strategic oversight of contracts worth over £1 billion and aims to promote environmental excellence and efficiency. Candidates should possess a driving licence or meet mobility requirements through alternative means. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in-person at County Hall, Chelmsford on 22nd January 2026.

Qualifications

• Requires a driving licence and access to a vehicle or alternate mobility means.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations for waste management across multiple sites.
• Manage multi-million-pound contracts and complex commercial arrangements.
• Drive efficiency and innovation within a leadership team.

Job description

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost.

With flexible working and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

This is a major leadership opportunity within one of the UK’s largest and most complex Waste Disposal Authorities. Managing services that handle over 650,000 tonnes of waste each year across Essex, you will oversee operations spanning 21 Recycling Centres, 4 Transfer Stations, and multiple closed landfill sites, supported by a workforce of over 200 operational staff.

The role carries responsibility for multi-million-pound contracts worth over £1 billion in total, covering residual waste treatment, recycling, reuse and haulage. It demands strategic oversight of complex commercial arrangements, performance management, and compliance across a high-risk, regulated environment.

You’ll work as part of a collaborative leadership team— driving efficiency, innovation and environmental excellence — supporting Essex’s ambitions to deliver a great service for residents and support a low carbon, circular economy.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying

The job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

Interviews for shortlisted applicants are expected to take place in person at County Hall, Chelmsford on Thursday, 22nd January 2026.