Description

Environmental Services Contract Manager
£52,413 - £59,615 per year
Full time with a range of flexibilities, including hybrid working, aligned to our Worksmart arrangements

This is a rare opportunity to shape the client side of a flagship environmental services transformation at East Devon District Council.

As Environmental Services Client Contract Manager, you’ll provide expert client-side leadership and assurance for recycling, waste and wider environmental services delivered by East Devon Environmental Services (EDES). Your role is central to ensuring strong commissioning, governance and performance management as the LATCo continues to mature.

In the first months, you’ll establish clear client-contractor governance arrangements, take ownership of performance and KPI scrutiny, and provide confident, evidence-based advice to senior officers and members. You’ll oversee contract and budget performance, ensure regulatory and environmental compliance, and work collaboratively with EDES and regional partners to drive continuous improvement.

This is a role with real strategic influence. From shaping policy and commissioning service improvements to embedding circular economy principles, waste reduction and innovation, your work will directly impact how services are delivered now and in the future. You’ll also represent the Council at regional forums and deputise for the Assistant Director – StreetScene on environmental services matters, when required.

About you

You’ll be an experienced environmental or waste professional with detailed knowledge of local authority recycling and waste services. You’ll bring strong contract commissioning and management experience, confidence in analysing performance and budgets, and the ability to provide effective challenge within complex delivery arrangements such as a LATCo.

Comfortable operating at senior level, you’ll have excellent influencing and negotiation skills and be adept at building productive relationships with members, colleagues, contractors and partners. You’ll be motivated by public value, environmental sustainability, carbon reduction and continuous improvement.

A degree-level qualification (or equivalent vocational experience) in a waste or environmental operations-related field is required, along with a full driving licence.

Experience of LATCo environments, circular economy initiatives or formal contract or project management qualifications would be an advantage.

Why join us?

StreetScene is one of the Council’s most visible and high-performing services. East Devon already ranks 6th nationally for recycling and 1st for residual waste, and this role offers a genuine opportunity to help safeguard and build on that success at a pivotal moment for environmental services in the district.

For more about working for East Devon District Council, visit:
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/careers/working-at-eddc/

Closing date: 15 March 2026.