Waste Client Manager

Waste Client Manager
Location: Bristol
Salary: £27.89 PAYE | £35.54 LTD Umbrella (Inclusive of Holiday Pay)
Contract: Full-time, Temporary
Directorate: Property, Assets and Infrastructure
Managed by: Head of Waste, Neighbourhood Enforcement, and Street Scene Services
Responsible for: 1-3 direct reports

About the Role
Are you passionate about sustainability and waste management? Our client, a Local Authority, is looking for a Waste Client Manager to oversee and enhance the waste collection and disposal services. This pivotal role involves managing key contracts, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and driving improvements in waste and recycling services across the city.
As the primary Client Officer, you will be responsible for overseeing the £30m Integrated Waste Management Contract with Bristol Waste Company, as well as managing stakeholder relations for £14m West of England contracts. You’ll act as the key escalation point for contractual disputes, ensuring service issues are resolved efficiently while minimising risks to the council.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Contract & Performance Management – Lead the client-side management of Bristol Waste Company and other waste-related contractors, ensuring high-quality service delivery in:
1. Waste collection and disposal
2. Street cleansing
3. Winter maintenance
4. Commercial waste services
2. Service Improvement & Compliance – Develop performance management systems to monitor waste contracts, ensuring compliance with national legislation, including the Waste and Emissions Trading Act and health and safety regulations.
3. Data Analysis & Reporting – Collect, process, and interpret waste statistics to provide insights for the council and regulatory bodies, including DEFRA and the Audit Commission.
4. Procurement & Strategy Development – Support the council in developing new waste solutions in line with government legislation, focusing on reuse, recycling, and sustainability initiatives.
5. Stakeholder & Partnership Management – Collaborate with external and internal partners, including:
1. Neighbourhoods, Parks, and Enforcement Services
2. Council Customer Services
3. Legal and Property teams
4. DEFRA and regional authorities
6. Customer Engagement & Digital Strategy – Work with customer service and web teams to improve resident interactions with waste services, including reviewing fees, charges, and customer feedback.
7. Budget & Financial Oversight – Assist in the preparation of waste service budgets and monitor expenditure to ensure cost-effectiveness.

What We’re Looking For:

1. Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
2. Strong knowledge of waste management, environmental law, and contract law.
3. Proven experience in contract and performance management within waste services.
4. Ability to develop and implement waste strategies aligned with national and local legislation.
5. Experience managing complex contracts and leading procurement activities.
6. Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
7. Strong analytical skills to assess policy impacts and develop service improvements.

Desirable Skills:

1. Experience with performance management tools (ISO, PRINCE2, Business Planning, Risk Assessment).
2. Knowledge of national and regional waste strategies and waste treatment technologies.

Why Apply:

1. Make a tangible impact on Bristol’s waste and sustainability efforts.
2. Work in a progressive and environmentally focused council.
3. Strategic leadership role with opportunities for professional growth.
4. Collaborate with local and regional partners to drive innovation in waste management.

Apply today by emailing your CV to (url removed) or call (phone number removed).