Senior Circular Economy Officer

Fixed Term / Secondment (to January 2028), Full Time

£34,041 to £40,048 per annum

Location: Chelmsford*

Closing Date: 27th August 2026

*Please note this is a hybrid-working role contractually based in Chelmsford. There will be a requirement to attend the office 2-3 days per month, depending on business need.

This role will be offered as a fixed-term contract or secondment until 31st December 2027. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role, so applicants must have current, unrestricted right to work in the UK for this period.

Essex is committed to enabling inclusive economic growth, helping people get the best start and age well, helping create great places to grow up, live and work and transforming the Council to achieve more with less.

The Senior Circular Economy Officer will deliver and evaluate predominantly waste reduction schemes and projects, communication campaigns, reuse and recycling initiatives and partnership activities whilst supporting wider environment activities as required.

The role contributes to the preparation of reports to internal and external audiences including funding bodies, peers and stakeholders, detailing progress, development and impact of activities. The officer will contribute to the development of waste and circular economy strategy in Essex and play a significant role in gaining and maintaining the co-operation of internal and external stakeholders and partners, to ensure shared goals are met. The role is on the front line of waste prevention, recycling and environmental communications, delivering direct messages to the public.

Accountabilities

Responsible for project managing the development, implementation, day to day delivery, monitoring and evaluation of campaigns and initiatives including procurement and governance steps as required.

Work collaboratively with Essex local authorities and other partners to provide support and maximise the impact of campaigns and initiatives.

Contribute to the development and operation of other waste reduction, circular economy strategy development and environmental projects as required.

Responsible for undertaking on-going research and benchmarking to keep abreast of latest advancements, developments and best practice within the sector.

Deliver responses to enquiries from members of the public and external organisations and businesses.

Manage communication channels between all partners and stakeholders (including elected members and senior leaders) and provide information to the public through a variety of communication mediums, ensuring an effective two-way flow of information.

Lead organisation, promotion and delivery of public and stakeholder engagement events including development of online delivery options and measurement of success.

Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Educated to Degree level or equivalent by experience.

Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in communications, research and data analysis to support design, development and evaluation of campaigns and initiatives.

A broad interest and understanding of waste management, environmental issues and wider circular economy issues.

Advanced skills in written and oral communication. Confident in engaging with a broad variety of stakeholders at different levels via a range of channels.

Ability to work creatively and effectively and including the ability to manage a range of complex situations and issues; very organised with good attention to detail and able to work on initiative.

Experience of working with brand guidelines when creating communications materials. Knowledge of report writing and delivery.

Evidence of experience of planning events, including engaging stakeholders, logistics and leading events on the day.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

To read more about us please visit: Place and Customer - Working for Essex

Why Essex? Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest – Basildon and Harlow – are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career. Read more about us here.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.

We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community here.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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