At West London Waste Authority, we are leaders in sustainable innovation, driving forward waste management systems to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Our cutting-edge Digital Twin programme is now entering a pivotal stage, creating a digital representation of our waste and recycling services to optimise real-time operations and enhance service efficiency.
We are looking for a Senior Project Manager to lead the implementation of this transformative initiative during a 12-month maternity cover, with potential opportunities for further data-driven project management roles within the Authority.
Role Overview
As the Senior Project Manager, you will take charge of the critical implementation phase of the Digital Twin programme—leading the design, setup, and optimisation of data systems to ensure real-time monitoring and improved operational outcomes. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on technical execution, perfect for someone passionate about sustainability and innovative data solutions. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to broader data-centric projects that advance our waste reduction and environmental responsibility goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Digital Twin project from inception through to execution, delivering on time and within budget. This includes managing a £10M operational change programme for Borough collections systems, ensuring alignment with our carbon neutrality objectives.
- Oversee the creation and optimisation of a real-time data infrastructure, driving insights that will improve operational efficiency in waste services. You will work closely with contractors and internal teams to ensure successful delivery.
- Manage and optimise processes for data ingestion, transformation, and reporting, ensuring smooth integration across various systems and platforms. This includes managing tools like ETL pipelines, Microsoft Power BI, Azure SQL databases, cloud-based platforms, and real-time monitoring systems.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, Borough partners, and external consultants to ensure alignment and drive data-led operational changes. Provide leadership in designing and implementing service re-routing and other operational enhancements.
- Leverage data insights to model how public engagement and resident behaviour impact service performance, shaping more efficient, community-friendly waste management solutions.
- Ensure compliance with best practices for data security and governance, while leading efforts to document and manage data access policies.
Who We’re Looking For
This role is ideal for experienced project managers who have a strong background in managing large-scale, data-centric projects, particularly in the waste management, sustainability, or environmental sectors. You may have held previous roles such as Digital Transformation Project Manager, Sustainability Project Manager, or Smart Cities Project Manager, where you’ve led initiatives requiring a blend of leadership, data expertise, and operational efficiency.
Candidates with experience in Circular Economy Program Management, Smart Waste Solutions Management, or as a Data Engineering Manager in the environmental or waste sectors are particularly well-suited to this position. Additionally, those with backgrounds as Waste Management Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Managers (Environmental Sector), or Environmental Data Project Managers will find this role to be an exciting opportunity to lead innovative, data-driven projects with a tangible impact on sustainability.
Technical Expertise: We are looking for candidates who have experience managing or working with contractors on technical systems such as:
- Data Lakes and Data Warehouses (e.g., Azure Data Lake)
- ETL Pipelines and Data Integration tools
- Microsoft Power BI and other Data Visualization tools
- Azure SQL Databases and Cloud Data Infrastructure (Azure or AWS)
- IoT Systems for waste management
- Digital Twin technologies and frameworks
- Power Query-based data transformation templates
- Real-Time Data Reporting systems
If you’ve worked in positions like Recycling Manager, Waste Management Officer, Data Analyst (Waste or Environmental Sectors), or even as a Decarbonisation Project Manager, and have a passion for driving operational improvements through technology, this position offers a chance to take your career to the next level. We are also interested in candidates who have experience managing or overseeing teams working on IoT Solutions, Digital Twin Project Management, or Cloud Data Engineering (Azure, AWS).
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven track record of managing large, data-centric projects, especially those that drive operational efficiency in waste or similar sectors. You should excel in managing cross-functional teams, timelines, and budgets.
- Experience with designing and implementing data systems, including real-time monitoring and performance optimization, either directly or through managing technical contractors, is highly desirable.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, able to engage with senior stakeholders and guide cross-functional teams. Experience in change management is key to this role.
Contract: 12-month Fixed-Term (Maternity Cover), Full-time
Hours: 36 hours per week
Benefits: 28 days holiday plus public holidays, Local Government Pension Scheme, Cycle to Work scheme, Employee Assistance Programme
Why Join Us?
Lead one of the most innovative digital transformation projects in waste management, driving real-world environmental impact and shaping the future of sustainable services in West London. This maternity cover position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to the carbon-neutrality agenda, with further potential to advance your career in data-driven project management within the Authority.
