At a Glance
| Salary | £-Excellent |
|---|---|
| Type | Permanent |
| Location | |
| Sectors | |
| Job Reference | J9638 |
| Apply For This Job | |
Interim Head of Operations
6-Month Contract (Inside IR35)
Start: February / Early March 2026
Locations: Exeter/Honiton (On-site with hybrid working)
A Local Authority is establishing a new Local Authority Trading Company (LATCo) to deliver its waste and recycling collection service in-house from July 2026.
We are seeking an experienced Interim Head of Operations to lead the operational mobilisation, workforce transfer and go-live of this significant service transition.
This is a pivotal leadership role requiring strong operational expertise, TUPE experience and the ability to de-risk a complex frontline service ahead of day one delivery.
The Role
You will lead the operational setup and transfer of a large household waste and recycling service into a newly formed LATCo, ensuring full operational readiness for go-live in July 2026.
Initially focused on mobilisation, governance and compliance, the role will transition into full operational leadership of approximately 150 staff, 50 vehicles and depot-based waste transfer and recycling operations.
This role requires a visible, hands-on leader with significant on-site presence during mobilisation and go-live, including early morning depot oversight.
Fundamentally, we are looking for someone who:
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Knows waste operations from a practical, frontline perspective and can confidently deliver an in-house service.
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Understands the people and legal sensitivities of TUPE and can lead a full and effective staff transfer.
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Can de-risk the operation by ensuring all policies, procedures, licences, permits and compliance frameworks are in place ahead of launch.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead the operational mobilisation and transfer of waste services into the new LATCo.
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Develop and deliver a comprehensive go-live project plan covering workforce, fleet and depot readiness.
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Ensure all operational, environmental and health & safety compliance requirements are met from day one.
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Support and lead the TUPE transfer of approximately 150 staff, fostering engagement and continuity.
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Establish operational policies, procedures, audits and governance frameworks.
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Lead fleet compliance and third-party maintenance arrangements.
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Manage collection, transfer and recycling operations, ensuring environmental permit compliance.
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Embed performance management, KPI oversight and financial discipline.
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Build a positive, accountable and performance-focused operational culture.
Essential Requirements
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Significant senior management experience in household waste and recycling operations.
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Proven experience delivering operational services (not solely contract/client-side oversight).
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Experience managing TUPE transfers and large workforce transitions.
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Strong knowledge of environmental, fleet and H&S compliance in waste operations.
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Transport Manager CPC.
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NEBOSH National General Certificate (or equivalent).
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Strong financial awareness and experience managing operational KPIs and budgets.
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Experience leading workforce development and cultural change.
Highly Desirable
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WAMITAB COTC (or strong understanding of transfer station / MRF operations).
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Experience mobilising a LATCo or in-house service transition.
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Experience operating within a local authority environment.
What We Offer
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A high-impact interim leadership opportunity.
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The chance to shape and launch a new in-house waste service.
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Strategic and operational responsibility during a critical mobilisation period.
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Competitive day rate (Inside IR35).
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Hybrid working with increased on-site presence during mobilisation and go-live.