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 Suffolk’s 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, you’ll 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 you’ll:
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.
You’ll bring experience, perspective and sound judgement, along with the ability to build strong relationships and navigate complex challenges.
We’re particularly interested in people who can:
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job 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 don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
You’ll be part of our Environment and Waste function within the Growth, Highways and Infrastructure directorate.
It’s a collaborative, outward-facing team that works closely with partners across Suffolk and beyond. There’s a shared focus on doing the right thing for the environment while delivering good, reliable services for residents.
This is also a team that’s evolving, with LGR ahead, there’s a real opportunity to shape what comes next and how we work together in the future.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re 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 01473 264787 or emailing steve.palfrey@suffolk.gov.uk
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.
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 what’s 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 recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk calling 03456 014412 You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll 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.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk)
Reimagine the possibilities.
As one of the largest employers in Suffolk, we have a huge variety of exciting careers to offer people as keen to make a positive impact on the world around them as we are.
As a modern, flexible, and effective council, we’re driven to make a difference to the environment, the communities we serve, and the careers of our people. We explore innovative ways to encourage, respect, and enable everyone to be the best they can be.
By creating meaningful connections with our people and our partner organisations, we’ve built a culture of mutual collaboration, trust, and respect where everyone is supported to be their authentic selves.
We aim to inspire and empower. To improve and evolve. To develop and innovate. To take pride and ownership of the world around us and ensure that we leave a positive and lasting legacy. That’s why it’s time to reimagine a career with the council and take a fresh look at what we can offer you.
