Assistant Director, Environmental Services and Community Safety

Darlington Borough Council is looking for an innovative and dynamic leader to join our team as Assistant Director of Environmental Services & Community Safety.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead key services that are vital to the quality of life in our borough, from waste management and parks to community safety and anti-social behaviour enforcement.

In this role, you will oversee a diverse range of services including waste collection, grounds maintenance, cemeteries, CCTV operations, and car parking enforcement.

With a strong environmental and community focus, you will lead service delivery, ensuring we meet our statutory responsibilities while driving improvements and enhancing customer service.

Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping a proactive, customer-centred approach, encouraging a culture where innovation thrives and public interactions are positive, even when delivering challenging messages.

This role offers the chance to make a real difference in Darlington. You will work closely with our partners, including the police and neighbouring authorities, building strong relationships that support community resilience and promote safety across the borough.

You will also play a key role in our waste recovery project, which includes partnering on the development of a new Energy Recovery Facility serving seven councils across the North-East, and the introduction of a food waste collection service for Darlington residents by April 2026.

We are looking for a strategic thinker with a proven track record of delivering results in complex service areas. You will have a talent for communicating technical policies in clear, non-technical ways and driving projects that align with the Council's priorities and Council Plan.

As part of the Chief Officers Board, you will contribute to corporate strategy and operational policy, ensuring our environmental and community safety services are agile, efficient, and fit for the future.

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape services in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Darlington offers excellent transport links and a great quality of life, making it a great place to live and work.

You will have the autonomy to lead and develop your teams, with opportunities for career progression and to contribute to wider Council ambitions.

If you are a forward-thinking leader who is passionate about delivering quality services and making a lasting impact on the community, we would love to hear from you!