Location
London Borough of Sutton, The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£57,402 per annum

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is situated less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Located in zone 5 with excellent transport links, Sutton boasts award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing, and great schools. The borough enjoys high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, delivering quality services while addressing financial challenges and involving residents in key issues and high street developments.

Sutton is committed to investing in the health, wellbeing, and education of its residents and future generations, as outlined in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. Home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton is developing the London Cancer Hub, aiming to become the world’s leading life-science district specializing in cancer research and treatment. This vision is expected to create around 13,000 jobs and contribute £1.2bn annually to the UK economy, fostering a vibrant community of scientists, doctors, and innovative companies.

With ongoing regeneration including new homes and schools, Sutton works closely with residents and vulnerable groups to support independence and balance between support and independent living. The Council is a key driver within the South London Partnership, focusing on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment across five outer south west London boroughs. Sutton aims to shape its future to remain a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

About the Service and Team
This is a new role within the Waste and Street Cleansing Team in the Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods Directorate. Reporting to the Head of Service for Waste and Street Cleansing, the team manages and delivers residential waste and recycling collections, street cleaning, winter gritting, and environmental enforcement. This includes proactive education, awareness, and enforcement of environmental crimes such as fly-tipping, littering, and dog fouling, underpinned by the Environmental Protection Act.

The service supports the Council’s "Ambitious for Sutton" Corporate Plan by:
- Taking action on climate change through litter and fly-tipping reduction and supporting the Sustainability Strategy.
- Aiming to be the top UK borough for recycling via effective contract management and communication campaigns.
- Improving customer service and ensuring financial efficiency for an efficient and well-run Council.

The service is undergoing transformation with new waste and enforcement contracts commissioned recently. Navigating legislative changes such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), and simpler recycling systems, the Policy and Projects Manager, supported by the Policy Officer, will play a crucial role in adapting services to this evolving regulatory environment to ensure compliance and capitalize on opportunities for efficiency and environmental performance.

About the Role and Our Ideal Candidate
The Policy and Projects Manager will lead the review of existing performance, implement key projects, and develop policy to support the Council's Climate Change ambitions and Environment Strategy delivery. Collaboration with colleagues and key stakeholders is essential to ensure efficient and seamless service delivery, contributing actively to broader corporate strategies and initiatives.

Working closely with the Head of Service, Contracts Manager, contractors, and other stakeholders, the postholder will:
- Continuously identify and evaluate operational improvement opportunities, recommending and implementing cost-effective changes while maintaining quality standards and performance targets.
- Identify, develop, and implement commercially viable service delivery models, exploring income generation, cost savings, and resource efficiency.
- Represent the service at Council Committees, friends groups, public meetings, partner officer groups, and local organisations, effectively communicating objectives and performance.
- Develop compelling bids and actively pursue external funding to enhance service delivery.

Our Offer to You
We are committed to nurturing talent and supporting your career growth in a friendly, collaborative environment. Your ideas will be encouraged and supported by a dynamic and experienced management team.

Benefits include:
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 26-31 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption, and dependents leave
- Two volunteering days per year
- Flexible working through the Smarter Working Scheme (role dependent)
- Adjustable and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks
- Access to a learning and development portal with a range of courses
- Discounts at local shops, restaurants, gyms, and leisure centres
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
- Zipcar scheme
- Confidential health, wellbeing, and counselling support

Application Process
Apply online outlining your skills, abilities, and experience that make you an ideal candidate. Please refer to the job profile requirements and ensure your CV details are correctly uploaded.

We embrace the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost productivity and service delivery but expect authentic, personalised applications that demonstrate your own skills, experience, and motivation. Sutton values transparency and PRIDE values, which will be assessed throughout the recruitment process.

The closing date is indicative; early application is advised as the vacancy may close once sufficient applications are received.

We anonymise applications to reduce bias and encourage diverse interview panels. We are committed to removing barriers and enhancing workforce diversity.

Additional Information
Sutton is proud to be a diverse and welcoming borough, striving to reflect the community it serves and fostering a sense of belonging among staff. We celebrate differences and welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

We offer family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, and inclusive staff networks to support diversity.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. We are an accredited London Living Wage Employer, ensuring all employees receive the London Living Wage.

The UK’s points-based immigration system affects sponsorship availability, which is subject to eligibility and budget. Sponsorship requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Experience
Proven experience in managing and delivering waste, recycling, or environmental services is desirable. Experience in project management, policy development, and contract management within a local government or similar environment is advantageous.

Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders including contractors, council committees, community groups, and partner organisations.

Experience in navigating regulatory changes and implementing operational improvements to meet performance and financial targets.

About you
Proactive and strategic thinker with strong leadership skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to represent the service effectively.
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners.<