Team Leader - Req25017

Job title: Team Leader (covering the Duty Manager function in Refuse)

Salary: Basic £34,833.96 - £36,648.00 plus bank holiday enhancements 

Hours: 37

Contract:  Permanent 

Location: Newmarket House, Newmarket Approach, Cross Green, LS9 0RJ (but can be based anywhere in the City)

As a Team Leader in Environmental Services you’ll thrive on working in a fast paced environment, dealing with different challenges and priorities in a service that affects every single resident in Leeds every day. It’s not just about emptying the bins, or keeping the streets litter free.  It’s about working with people, being proud of what we do and looking after each other and the environment.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

Key requirements

As a Team Leader covering the Duty Manager functions you will bring to the role:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written and an ability to resolve potential conflict and gain cooperation and trust
•  An ability to coordinate and communicate with managers, customers and staff on the operational service such as any service/route/crew issues either verbally or through service update reports, and ensure forward planning to deal with any service failures when required.  
• Experience of carrying out training or briefing sessions, and an understanding of responsibilities in relation to health, safety and wellbeing
• The skills to take responsibility for ensuring the service is fully crewed and deployed, and that fleet resources are available to ensure all routes go out and are completed. 
• An ability to deal with dynamic and varied operational issues throughout the day including providing information to ensure an accurate end of day report and so that any necessary recovery work can be arranged promptly. 

More about the role 

The attention and interest on how we collect, recycle and dispose of the city’s waste has never been greater. This is an opportunity to bring your transferrable experience and skills to the management of environmental services in Leeds; the second largest council in the UK. 

Environmental Services cover a wide range of functions and altogether has over 830 staff – spanning operational, back-office, supervisory and managerial roles. 

The current need for a Team Leader is in the Refuse service as part of the Duty Manager function of the service, however you could be deployed across any part of the service as a Team Leader, which includes the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team and the Household Waste & Recycling Centres. The role in Refuse involves covering the Duty Manager functions of the service, so being responsible for ‘start up’ and ‘end of day’. You’ll be working on the front desk to ensure operational staff reporting to work are deployed appropriately with work packs for the day, the right vehicles and equipment they need to empty all the bins. Also to ensure that staff return safely having completed their work, conducting de-briefs with them and then planning resources for the following day.

In Refuse Collection we empty the black, green and brown bins across the whole City 6 days a week. As a service we typically empty over half a million wheely bins EVERY WEEK in Leeds from the 360,000 households we serve.

The role requires you to work a shift between 5.45am – 5.30pm, Monday – Friday 37 hours per week, also working bank holidays which you are paid an enhancement for in your annual wage. 

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Apply for this job online. If your application does not cover the key requirements for the role you will not be shortlisted. 

If you are selected to go to the next stage you’ll be invited to a short 10-15 minutes online meeting so we can find about a bit more about you, and you can ask any questions you have about the role.  This meeting will form part of the recruitment and selection process. 

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Hayley Thackwray, Head of Service at hayley.thackwray@leeds.gov.uk

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

Job Purpose: To manage and lead a functional or area operational team within Environmental Services delivering a range of specified functions or services whilst providing a customer focused and high quality service. In doing so, undertaking a full range of managerial responsibilities, as required, on a day to day basis To work as part of a cohort of Team Leaders. 

Responsibilities for grade: 

Your day to day responsibilities will vary depending on the operational service area you are assigned to work in. The main service areas are: 

• Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team 
• City Centre Cleansing Team 
• Household Waste and Recycling Centres 
• Refuse Service 

You may be asked to move between service areas depending on the needs of the service and to develop your own skills and knowledge. 

With appropriate training, development and support you should be able to: 

(Day to day operational responsibilities)     

• To undertake the day to day supervision of the operational service within a designated area of responsibility, and on a city-wide basis when required, with management and monitoring to ensure that allocated tasks are completed safely, to schedule and agreed standards e.g. responsible for ensuring the locking and unlocking of premises 
• To coordinate and communicate with managers and others on the operational service such as any service/route/crew issues either verbally or through service update reports, and ensure forward planning to deal with any service failures when required. 
• To line manage and supervise a team of staff including completion of appraisals and one to one’s, in accordance with Council policies and procedures. 
• to provide, as required, a liaison role with Fleet Services to ensure all vehicle and machinery needs are being planned for and met to deliver the service; 
• To use strong people management skills in order to motivate, develop and performance manage staff to ensure the delivery of a high quality service and to drive service improvements. 
• To take a people-orientated and bespoke solutions-focussed approach to dealing with customers, quickly and professionally. 
• To investigate and resolve service requests, both proactive and reactive, using all available statutory and non-statutory measures, which may include the use of; Notices (including fixed penalty notices); prosecutions; warnings; informal advice; education; and restorative and imaginative solutions to resolve problems. 
• To be accountable for the outcome of improved recycling, clean streets and neighbourhoods within a defined area, including how we are making the most of key stakeholders/partner services to contribute towards that outcome. 
• To work with other Team Leaders in the service to ensure that appropriate cover is available across the areas and to cover for one another where necessary.   

(Operational safety and compliance) 

• be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g. safeguarding, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person 
• To be accountable for the safety of staff, service users and contractors in accordance with Legislation and the Council Health and Safety Policy. 
• To ensure the health and safety of all staff and resources within the service (i.e. delegated responsibility in relation to the nature of the post holders duties and personal responsibilities as per sections 7 and 8 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Regulation 14 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. 
• To ensure that all Health and Safety protocols are implemented in line with relevant legislation, corporate performance and industry standards and good practice, e.g Waste Industry Safety and Health Forum (WISH) and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance documents. 
• To investigate and report on incidents and accidents to identify the cause and take corrective action to prevent further injury, adverse effects or ill health occurring. 
• To monitor, review and provide regular feedback on health and safety performance within the area responsible 
• To carry out the relevant legislative checks on drivers 

(Public accountability and engagement) 

• To attend public meetings when required such as Community Committee meetings and other locality meetings on a regular basis representing the Service as directed and on a geographical or topical basis 
• support and assist Elected Members and Members of Parliament with regard to enquiries on relevant policy matters or matters in their area of responsibility; 
• work closely with team members and other staff involved in services delivered, actively promoting high quality communication between the service, service users and Elected Members. 
• To investigate and resolve complaints regarding the service in accordance with the Council’s Complaints Policy. 

(Service performance, efficiency and improvement) 

• To demonstrate and embed the Council’s values and manager habits to lead, support and drive cultural change 
• monitor performance, including qualitative and quantitative measures. 
• accurately record and keep updated, information using digital and paper-based systems ensuring effective distribution of information to service users in a manner which is appropriate to their needs, including detailed and complex reports 

(Wider organisational responsibilities and working as part of Team Leeds) 

• assist or lead in the recruitment and selection process 
• contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service and Leeds City Council by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested. 

(Leadership and self-development) 

• provide Area Manager cover as required; 
• participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills 
• work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice. 
• be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the standards and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council. 
• recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures and making sure the individual/s involved understand it is unacceptable. 
• Work flexibly as required in order to meet service priorities 
• Ensure effective and positive staff and industrial relations in the working environment, including positive and open relationships with trade union representatives. 

(Specific to the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team and City Centre Cleansing service areas) 

• undertake enforcement activities through the implementation of powers and duties as authorised under delegated powers and duties. 
• To ensure that available resources are being deployed in the most effective way to deal with, and tackle the root causes of, environmental issues facing the neighbourhoods in which the teams are operating. 
• To provide support and guidance to team members with day to day issues, including investigations and interventions, and support / guidance regarding the preparation of any necessary paperwork, including prosecution packs. 
• To be responsible for the development and delivery of community based projects and campaigns. 
• To support witnesses, members of the public, partners and colleagues, in being able to take action against the perpetrators of environmental crime.   
• To ensure prosecution files and other legal documentation are prepared and sent to legal within a timely manner. 

(Specific to the Refuse service area) 

• To take responsibility, when required, for ensuring the service is fully crewed and that fleet resources are available to ensure the service is delivered. 
• To work with the Team Leader performing the Duty Manager function to ensure there is optimum day to day management of resources for the operational service and contribute to any weekend cover of those duties. 
• To ensure crews are using the incab units daily and report any issues with the incab unit to the duty manager so that it can be resolved. 
• Ensure all operational issues throughout the day affecting service delivery are reported to the Team Leader performing the Duty Manager function and the business support team to enable an accurate end of day report and so that recovery can be arranged promptly. 
• To perform the function of Duty Manager as required by the service and commensurate with the grade of the post 

(Specific to the Household waste and recycling centres service area) 

• To provide appropriate Technical Competent Management (TCM) for the Services permitted waste facilities. 
• To manage and actively encourage staff to improve the recycling and reuse of materials brought to sites
• To positively assist staff and proactively meet and greet members of the public in separating/recycling and disposing of waste as appropriate,, to maximise the use of recycling and reuse facilities on site. 
• Offer physical assistance to less able customers. 
• Supervise and assist with surveys, leafleting and customer feedback. 
• To manage and monitor established processes/permit schemes to prevent unauthorised trade/commercial waste visitors and non-Leeds residents from using the service.
• To assist with the management of a number of bring sites, specifically with regard to the cleanliness of the sites and preventing the overspill of recyclates 
• To ensure that optimum recycling capacity is always maintained liaising with contractors, other relevant personnel to ensure rapid resolution to any issues arising. 
• To monitor and ensure the continued safe use of all plant and equipment used on sites in accordance with site procedures and to act on any issues arising as appropriate.
• Undertake any ancillary labouring, cleaning and maintenance duties as required. Undertake grounds maintenance of sites on a regular schedule.
• Ensure the external boundaries of sites are kept clean, tidy, litter free and ensure all dumping and fly tipping is removed. 

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post. 

Qualifications

• Able to demonstrate competence and experience of work related to and at the level of the duties of the post. Training for the qualifications can be organised by the service. 

(Specific to the Refuse service area) 

• IOSH Managing Safely Qualification 

(Specific to the Household waste and recycling centres service area) 

• Waste Advisory Management Industry Training Board (WAMITAB) Certificate 

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION: 

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following: Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate. 

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements. 

Skills Required 

• Ability to deal with conflicting demands and demonstrate effective time management – working to both tight deadlines and route schedules 
• Ability to provide effective leadership, direction and coordination regarding resources, workloads, processes and projects 
• Ability to manage and monitor performance effectively and provide clear objectives 
• Ability to plan, manage and evaluate projects and strategies 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written 
• Ability to make an effective contribution to internal/external meetings and working groups 
• Ability to resolve potential conflict and to gain cooperation and trust 
• Ability to direct and motivate staff 
• Ability to develop productive working relationships that command respect, trust and confidence 
• Ability to manage competing priorities whilst delivering on a range of service objectives and whilst adapting to changing circumstances 
• Ability to use IT systems e.g. case management systems / databases, email and Word in particular 
• Ability to produce work of a high standard with a attention to detail, whilst meeting often tight deadline. 
• Ability to work across service boundaries to achieve objectives and outcome 
• Ability to use own initiative to develop solutions to complex issues and problems to ensure effective delivery of the service 
• Ability to carry out enforcement activity and translate and apply legislative options to real life scenarios / cases 

Knowledge Required 

• An understanding of the role of elected members within the Council and the community 
• An understanding of the diverse needs of communities and neighbourhoods and of how to involve them effectively in finding solutions to the issues they face 
• An understanding of and commitment to equality and diversity in terms of both employment and service delivery 
• An understanding of responsibilities in terms of Health and Safety 
• An understanding of HR Policies including managing attendance and disciplinary procedures 
• An understanding of the Council values and a commitment to embed them into ways of working 

Experience Required 

• Experience of reporting to and working effectively with a range of colleagues and partners
• Experience of developing and presenting information on your work/  service and the associated outcomes 
• Experience of problem solving, individually and in a group setting 
• Experience of carrying out training or briefing sessions to staff/colleagues and partners 
• Experience of responding to compliments and complaints 
• Experience of managing and developing staff to achieve objectives and outcomes 

Behavioural & other Characteristics required 

• Committed to continuous improvement. 
• Ability to understand and observe the Leeds City Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy. 
• To carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the School and Leeds City Council’s Health & Safety Policies. 
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development 
• Ability to be flexible and provide citywide duty cover at weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis. 
• Ability to travel throughout the Leeds City Council boundaries to be flexible to move location within the service working in different areas depending on need.   

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role.  Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.   

Knowledge Required 

• Understanding of customer care and quality assurance principles 
• An awareness of the Service Level Agreements with Area Committees, and how they affect service delivery and practice on a day to day basis 
• An additional recognised technical, managerial or related specialist qualification. 

Experience Required 

• Of working in a management role and supervising staff/teams 
• Of working with the public and other organisations. 

Relationships

• The post holder will maintain effective relationships with staff at all levels within the Directorate, other Council Directorates, Elected Members, external agencies and the general public. 

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