Assistant Director of Public Realm

Assistant Director – Public Realm

London Borough of Havering

Grade :£93,006 – £102,705 per annum

Lead the Future of Havering’s Public Spaces

We’re looking for a strategic and forward-thinking leader to shape the delivery of Havering’s public realm services. As one of London’s greenest boroughs, we’re proud of our clean streets, vibrant parks, and commitment to sustainability. This role offers the opportunity to lead essential services that directly impact the lives of our residents, businesses and visitors.

About the Role

As Assistant Director - Public Realm, you’ll oversee a broad portfolio of services including waste and recycling, street cleansing, parks, trees, and open spaces. You’ll lead high-performing teams, manage major contracts, and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver services that are efficient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible.

You will report directly to the Director of Environment and play a key role in shaping borough-wide strategy and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term strategies aligned with council priorities and national policy
• Lead operational teams and manage high-value contracts to ensure service excellence
• Champion sustainability and climate action, including biodiversity and low-emission initiatives
• Collaborate with elected members, residents, and partners to co-design responsive services
• Monitor performance, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement
• Manage budgets and secure external funding to support innovation and infrastructure
• Contribute to leading emergency and seasonal operations, including storm, fire winter gritting response
• Promote inclusive, accessible public spaces for all communities

What You’ll Bring

• Proven leadership in large-scale operational services and contract management
• Experience delivering strategic outcomes in public realm or environmental services
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Financial acumen and experience managing multi-million-pound budgets
• Passion for sustainability, innovation, and community impact
• Flexibility to support borough-wide events and out of hours responses

Why Choose Havering?

• Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working Options – including hybrid and remote arrangements
• Generous Annual Leave – with the option to buy additional days
• Professional Development – commitment to 10 days of learning annually
• Health & Wellbeing Support – including mental health resources
• Inclusive Culture – guided by our ICARE values: Integrity, Creativity, Ambition, Respect, Everyone

We’re a council that embraces change, encourages fresh ideas, and supports career progression. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact in a borough that values initiative, collaboration, and civic pride—we want to hear from you.

Additional Information

• We are a Disability Confident employer – applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview
• All roles are subject to relevant checks including DBS or Disclosure Scotland, depending on access to sensitive data or vulnerable groups
• Internal redeployees will be given priority consideration

For more information about the position please click Job Profile

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Kerry.halverson@havering.gov.uk to arrange an appointment.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 10/10/25 however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

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