Operations Manager- Environmental Health

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Interim Operations Manager - Environmental Health

6-Month Contract

A large public sector organisation is seeking an experienced Interim Operations Manager to lead a new and evolving Environmental Health service at a pivotal time of change.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future delivery of frontline public realm services within a politically high-profile environment. The successful candidate will oversee the creation and management of a new Local Investigations Team, designed to provide a flexible, multi-disciplinary response to issues affecting local communities across waste, highways, parking enforcement, environmental health and related services.Alongside managing this new function, you will lead a review of the existing Pest Control Service, evaluating operating models, referral pathways, prioritisation processes, productivity and procurement options, helping to build a long-awaited business case for transformation and future investment.

This is very much a blank canvas role for someone who enjoys designing services, creating operational frameworks and driving collaboration across multiple teams.

• Lead and manage the newly established Local Investigations Team, developing effective systems, processes and performance management frameworks.
• Design referral pathways, escalation routes and operating procedures to support multi-service responses to complex frontline issues.
• Work closely with Environmental Health, Waste, Highways, Parking Enforcement and other services to improve collaboration and service delivery.
• Manage councillor enquiries, community concerns and high-profile incidents, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
• Lead the operational review and transformation of the Pest Control Service, including service structure, workflow management, prioritisation and procurement opportunities.
• Develop performance measures and evaluation frameworks to assess service effectiveness and inform future delivery models.
• Provide leadership, coaching and support to operational teams, strengthening performance management and service standards.
• Support the Head of Environmental Health on strategic priorities and service improvement initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with elected members, senior stakeholders, partner organisations and local communities.

We are looking for an experienced operational leader who can combine strategic thinking with hands on service improvement delivery. You will have:

• Significant management experience within Environmental Health, Regulatory Services, Waste, Public Realm or a related local authority service.
• A proven track record of designing, implementing and improving operational systems, processes and service models.
• Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships, including elected members and senior leaders.
• Strong performance management, workforce leadership and change management experience.
• The ability to work across organisational boundaries and bring multiple teams together to resolve complex issues.
• Experience developing business cases, service reviews and transformation programmes.
• Knowledge of Environmental Health services such as waste enforcement, pest control, public protection, animal welfare or related regulatory functions would be highly advantageous.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and political awareness skills.

This role offers the opportunity to make a visible impact within a major city, helping to shape how frontline environmental and public realm services respond to emerging community challenges. You'll join at the beginning of an exciting service development programme with the autonomy to build new approaches, improve operational performance and leave a lasting legacy.

If you're an experienced public sector operations leader who enjoys building services, solving complex operational challenges and driving meaningful improvement, we'd love to hear from you.