Strategic Head of Environment Operations, Parks & Open Spaces

London Borough of Harrow
Up to £98,937
Hackney

Harrow is a borough that’s moving forward, with a clear focus on the services residents notice every day. Environmental services are central to that – they shape how people experience their neighbourhoods and play a big part in the council’s ambition to restore pride in Harrow through cleaner streets, greener spaces and visible improvement on the ground.

THE ROLE

This is a senior leadership role overseeing one of the council’s most high-profile operational portfolios. Reporting to the Director of Environment, you’ll lead a workforce of over 320 staff, alongside key contractors, and manage a combined revenue and capital budget of more than £25m.

The portfolio includes waste and recycling, street cleansing, parks and open spaces, bereavement services, commercial waste, and the household recycling centre. You’ll be responsible for shaping and delivering the strategic direction of these services – making sure they are efficient, compliant, evidence-led, and focused on what matters most: quality services, resident satisfaction, and continuous improvement.

A big part of the role is also helping Harrow deliver its climate and environmental ambitions. That includes improving performance across services, modernising fleet, supporting carbon reduction, and strengthening biodiversity across the borough.

We’re looking for someone who can bring together strategic thinking, financial discipline, and commercial awareness to help modernise and strengthen these highly visible services. You’ll be involved in everything from procurement and contract management to income generation, digital improvement, and service redesign – always focused on better outcomes and strong financial control.

You’ll need to be confident operating in a highly visible environment, dealing with resident, and media scrutiny when required, and work effectively with elected members, senior colleagues, unions, contractors, and external partners.

INFORMATION

To find out more about the role, please see the candidate brief and job description. For more information, please contact Sunita Patel (Sunita.patel@starfishsearch.com / 07561 708 023) or John Pease (john.pease@starfishsearch.com / 07511 106 753) at Starfish Search.

Role Profile    
Timeline

Closing Date – 12th July 2026

First stage interviews – 27th July to 7th August 2026

Final interviews – TBC September 2026

 

Useful Links
Restoring Pride in Harrow Corporate Plan VIEW
Environment Operations Functional Structure VIEW
Environmental Tiers VIEW
How to apply

To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:

  • Your CV (no more than three sides of A4).
  • A supporting statement (no more than three sides of A4) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.

If our client is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you would like to apply under the scheme, please state that clearly at the top of your supporting statement, along with any adjustments you require to be made if invited for interview.

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