Interim Head of Operations

6-Month Contract (Inside IR35)
Start: February / Early March 2026
Location: 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:

• Knows waste operations from a practical, frontline perspective and can confidently deliver an in-house service.

• Understands the people and legal sensitivities of TUPE and can lead a full and effective staff transfer.

• Can de-risk the operation by ensuring all policies, procedures, licences, permits and compliance frameworks are in place ahead of launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operational mobilisation and transfer of waste services into the new LATCo.

• Develop and deliver a comprehensive go-live project plan covering workforce, fleet and depot readiness.

• Ensure all operational, environmental and health & safety compliance requirements are met from day one.

• Support and lead the TUPE transfer of approximately 150 staff, fostering engagement and continuity.

• Establish operational policies, procedures, audits and governance frameworks.

• Lead fleet compliance and third-party maintenance arrangements.

• Manage collection, transfer and recycling operations, ensuring environmental permit compliance.

• Embed performance management, KPI oversight and financial discipline.

• Build a positive, accountable and performance-focused operational culture.

Essential Requirements

• Significant senior management experience in household waste and recycling operations.

• Proven experience delivering operational services (not solely contract/client-side oversight).

• Experience managing TUPE transfers and large workforce transitions.

• Strong knowledge of environmental, fleet and H&S compliance in waste operations.

• Transport Manager CPC.

• NEBOSH National General Certificate (or equivalent).

• Strong financial awareness and experience managing operational KPIs and budgets.

• Experience leading workforce development and cultural change.

Highly Desirable

• WAMITAB COTC (or strong understanding of transfer station / MRF operations).

• Experience mobilising a LATCo or in-house service transition.

• Experience operating within a local authority environment.

What We Offer

• A high-impact interim leadership opportunity.

• The chance to shape and launch a new in-house waste service.

• Strategic and operational responsibility during a critical mobilisation period.

• Competitive day rate (Inside IR35).

• Hybrid working with increased on-site presence during mobilisation and go-live.

Ref: J9638