Director of Highways, Waste and Environment

North Northamptonshire Council
£97,632 - £108,033
Hackney

North Northamptonshire is a place of scale, ambition and ongoing transformation. Since its creation in 2021, the council has brought together legacy organisations to form one of the largest unitary authorities in the country, serving a growing and diverse population across towns, rural communities and major growth corridors.

We are now looking for a new Director of Highways, Waste and Environment to lead one of our most visible and complex portfolios. This is a critical role at the heart of our Place and Economy agenda, responsible for shaping how vital frontline services are delivered for residents, communities and businesses across North Northamptonshire.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Executive Director of Place and Economy, you will provide strategic leadership across highways, waste and environmental services, ensuring statutory responsibilities are met while driving transformation, improvement and long-term resilience. Your portfolio will include highways and transport, waste and recycling, grounds maintenance, country parks, fleet, parking and traffic enforcement, and wider environmental services.

This is a role for a leader who combines strategic vision with operational grip. You will oversee high-value contracts and capital programmes, strengthen performance and commissioning, and work closely with elected members, partners and senior colleagues to ensure services are efficient, sustainable and responsive to local priorities. You will also play a key part in embedding a positive culture, developing teams and leading through complexity and change.

We are looking for a senior leader with significant experience in a large, complex organisation and a strong track record across highways, waste, environmental services or a closely related field. You will bring political awareness, financial and commercial acumen, and the credibility to lead major services that are highly visible, high profile and central to residents’ everyday experience of place.

INFORMATION

For further details, please click on the role profile and useful links below, or for more information please contact Tom Ripley (07701 217 520 tom.ripley@starfishsearch.com) or John Pease (07511 106 753 john.pease@starfishsearch.com)

Role Profile    
Timeline

Closing date: 10th July 2026
Longlisting (applicants not required) : 17th July 2026
Technical interviews (via Teams): 23rd and 24th July 2026
Final panel interviews (on site): 5th and 6th August 2026

Useful Links
North Northamptonshire Economic Growth Strategy 2025 - 30 VIEW
North Northamptonshire Council Position Statement VIEW
LGA Corporate Peer Challenge - Progress review 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.

Apply