Senior Recycling Officer

Job Description

The London Borough of Harrow is seeking a dynamic and motivated professional to lead the development of a dedicated team and oversee key projects and workstreams focused on improving recycling performance across the borough. This position will play a central role in promoting and increasing residential, business and commercial waste recycling by engaging with and educating local communities to support greater participation and correct use of all available recycling services. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast‑paced environment with frequently changing demands and competing priorities as the council intensifies efforts to increase dry mixed recycling, food waste, garden waste and textile recycling. The role will involve working collaboratively with internal and external partners, including the West London Waste Authority (WLWA), and fostering strong peer networks across partner organisations to ensure consistency, innovation and shared learning. This role is instrumental in supporting the council’s obligations under Simpler Recycling and in delivering one of Harrow’s key flagship actions aligned with national recycling targets. As a critical contributor to the borough’s Climate Strategy, the postholder will be at the forefront of work that attracts high visibility and scrutiny, requiring strong leadership, resilience and the ability to respond to evolving pressures and priorities.

If you are passionate about sustainability, experienced in leading teams and projects, and excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful environmental impact for the residents and businesses of Harrow, we would love to hear from you.

The planned interview date for sucessful candidates is Wednesday the 11th of February 2026.

The successful candidate will have:

• Able to fully access buildings / sites / rough ground in order to carry out the role.
• Hold a UK Drivers licence or equivalent.
• Access to a vehicle with relevant insurance for work purposes.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and to be on your feet for long periods at a time.
• Able to attend occasional meetings and events outside of normal working hours.
• Previous experience in waste / recycling industry.
• Previous experience within a local authority.
• Previous experience of supervising or mentoring staff
• Experience of using a range of data management systems.

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn