Technical Lead Waste Contracts

Connected Local Government; Oxford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Oxfordshire is seeking a Technical Lead for its Waste Management team. The role involves overseeing the full lifecycle of waste contracts, including service design and compliance with national policies. Candidates should have experience in managing high-value contracts along with a relevant degree. The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities while contributing to sustainable waste solutions.

Benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Local Government Pension Scheme

Discount offers for shopping and travel

Qualifications

• Experience in procuring, monitoring, and managing high-value waste management contracts.
• Strong understanding of waste legislation, environmental standards, and circular economy principles.
• Ability to balance competing priorities in a politically sensitive environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical and operational delivery of waste contracts.
• Manage the lifecycle of outsourced waste disposal functions.
• Shape strategic plans and oversee budgets totalling £34 million.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication

Financial management

Resilience

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

About Us

Oxfordshire County Council is at the forefront of environmental innovation and service excellence. Within our Environment & Circular Economy service, we are committed to delivering sustainable waste management solutions that serve our communities and protect our natural surroundings. Our Waste Management team plays a vital role in shaping the future of waste services across the county, ensuring that our operations are efficient, compliant, and forward‑thinking. We are proud to foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and bold thinking. Our values – Always Learning, Be Kind and Care, Equality and Integrity, Taking Responsibility, and Daring to Do It Differently – guide everything we do. We believe in empowering our people to deliver great results, wherever they are based, and we are actively embracing agile working practices that reflect the diverse needs of our workforce.

About the Role

This is a pivotal role within our Waste Management team, offering the opportunity to lead the technical and operational delivery of a wide range of waste contracts. As Technical Lead, you will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of outsourced waste disposal functions, including service design, procurement, and contract management. These services encompass waste treatment and disposal, which includes managing contracts for the Energy Recovery Facility, Household Waste Recycling Centres, Anaerobic Digestion facilities, composting sites and landfill operations.

You will be instrumental in ensuring that our services remain compliant with evolving national waste policy, and that they continue to deliver value for money and high performance. Working closely with the Operational Manager, you will help shape strategic plans, oversee budgets totalling £34 million in revenue, and act as a key point of escalation for complex service issues.

Your role will also involve representing the council at the Oxfordshire Resources and Waste Partnership, engaging with national networks, and contributing to the development of policies that support a circular economy. You will provide expert advice to internal and external stakeholders, respond to enquiries and Freedom of Information requests, and ensure that health, safety and wellbeing are embedded in all aspects of service delivery.

This is a role that demands strategic thinking, technical expertise, and a commitment to continuous improvement. You will have the opportunity to influence the future of waste services in Oxfordshire and contribute to the council’s long‑term environmental vision.

About You

You will be a highly experienced waste management professional, with a strong track record in procuring, monitoring and managing high‑value contracts. You will hold a relevant degree or equivalent experience, and ideally be a full member of a recognised professional body. Your understanding of waste legislation, environmental standards, and circular economy principles will be comprehensive, and you will be confident in applying this knowledge to develop services that are both innovative and compliant.

You will have experience of working in politically sensitive environments, and be adept at balancing competing priorities while maintaining a clear focus on service quality and efficiency. We are looking for someone who is:

• Strategic and analytical, with the ability to turn policy into operational reality.
• Skilled at communicating and capable of building strong relationships with contractors, colleagues, councillors, and the public.
• Financially astute, with experience managing large revenue and capital budgets.
• Proactive and resilient, with the ability to lead service improvements and respond effectively to change.
• Committed to our organisational values and passionate about delivering excellent public services.
• Possessing a valid driving licence and access to transport, as the role will involve travel across Oxfordshire, including rural locations.

Rewards and Benefits

• Great learning and development opportunities to support your growth
• Technology to support agile working where role permits
• Employee Assistance Programme – including health and wellbeing support
• Generous annual leave – 28 days plus bank holidays, and an option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local Government Pension Scheme – with employer contributions up to 19.9%
• Discounts – local and national offers for shopping and travel

Contact

For a more in depth conversation, please contact Roger Seed at [e-mail]

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role within three years of leaving the service.

Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi‑time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine‑day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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