Waste Strategy Manager

John Lewis Partnership

Waste Strategy Manager leading compliance, contracts, and circular-economy initiatives for John Lewis Partnership, the UK’s largest employee-owned retailer. Driving sustainable waste operations across retail, distribution, and property sites.

Posted 8/4/2026full-timeLondon • 🇬🇧 United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £59,100 - £90,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing legal compliance and operational excellence in waste services, with a strong focus on stakeholder management and innovative waste solutions. Proven ability to develop and coach teams while driving sustainability and cost efficiencies within the waste supply chain.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Commercial Waste Management Legal RequirementsStakeholder ManagementService Contract ManagementSustainability Agenda LeadershipCoaching and Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal ComplianceWaste ManagementCost Efficiency AnalysisRisk ManagementPerformance Oversight

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationInfluencing SkillsNegotiation SkillsTeam LeadershipOwnership Culture Promotion

Certifications & Qualifications

IWFM MembershipCIWM Membership

Industry Keywords

Retail Industry Waste ChallengesCircular EconomyWaste Supply ChainOutsourced Waste ContractsInnovative Waste Solutions

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage legal requirements and set the strategic direction for waste services
Ensure legal compliance and operational excellence across all sites
Partner with stakeholders across Retail, Distribution and Property to deliver waste trials and innovative solutions
Oversee performance, risk and innovation within the multi-million-pound waste supply chain
Champion the sustainability agenda and provide technical advice
Foster a culture of ownership and awareness among Partners
Manage high-value outsourced waste contracts
Lead innovation across waste streams to support the circular economy
Develop and coach individual Partners and internal and external teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Solid understanding of commercial waste management legal requirements in line with DEFRA and devolved Governments requirements
Experience managing service contracts
Commercial acumen to drive cost efficiencies and identify innovative waste-stream opportunities
Proven stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
Knowledge of the retail industry and its unique waste challenges is essential
Membership of IWFM or CIWM would be advantageous
Experience developing and coaching individual Partners and internal and external teams may be desirable

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible working, including flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts where possible
Pre-employment vetting information and support where required
Employee ownership and sharing in the Partnership’s rewards and successes
Work-life balance support
Inclusive environment where Partners can be themselves and thrive