Corporate Head of Environment

About the Role and Our Ideal Candidate

We are passionate about working closely with residents and vulnerable groups to help them maintain independence and balance between support and independent living.

As a successful leader, you will shape the future of environmental services and climate action in one of London's most ambitious boroughs.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspiring leadership across environmental services and climate action.
• Lead complex contracts and partnerships to deliver high performing services.
• Work collaboratively with elected members, residents, businesses and regional partners.
• Champion sustainability, community engagement and social value.
• Lead service transformation and continuous improvement programmes.
• Ensure statutory compliance, strong governance and effective financial management.

Qualifications and Experience

• A strong track record of senior leadership within a complex organisation.
• Significant experience leading large scale contracts and commissioned services.
• Strong financial and commercial management capability.
• Experience delivering transformation, innovation and service improvement.
• Excellent stakeholder management and partnership building skills.
• The ability to operate effectively within a political environment.
• A passion for sustainability, climate action and public service.
• The confidence to challenge conventional thinking and drive change.
• A relevant degree or professional qualification is desirable.

About Us

As one of London's fastest growing boroughs, Kingston balances growth, sustainability and community wellbeing. The Council is undertaking major regeneration and infrastructure investment, while pursuing ambitious climate action and award winning sustainable transport initiatives.

You will lead a service of approximately 15 staff across three highly dedicated teams, with oversight of a revenue budget of around £15m, ensuring excellent service delivery, value for money and measurable environmental outcomes for residents.

As a member of the Corporate Leadership Group, you will help shape the wider strategic direction of the Council and contribute to Kingston's transformation as an enabling, innovative and collaborative organisation.

You will also play a key role in strengthening Kingston's environmental networks and partnerships, including engagement with the South London Waste Partnership and local climate action groups.

Our Offer to You

We offer a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment where you can grow and develop your career and skills.

Employees enjoy a wide range of benefits including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 25-32 days, plus bank holidays (pro rata if part time).
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependents leave.
• Three volunteering days per year in Kingston.
• Hybrid working (dependent on the role).
• Flexible and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks.
• Learning and development portal with a range of courses.
• Discounts on local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres.
• Interest free season ticket loans.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme.
• Electric vehicle leasing scheme.
• Confidential health & wellbeing and counselling support.

Additional Information

Kingston values diversity and inclusiveness. We provide a workforce that reflects the community, provide family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums and inclusive staff networks.

We are a disability confident employer and guarantee interview opportunities for disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria. All employees receive at least the London Living Wage.

UK immigration: Sponsorship is evaluated on a case by case basis.