About

Interim Head of Housing

Salary: £60,000 to £65,000 (depending on experience)

Contract: Fixed term for up to 12 months

Annual Leave: 30 days plus bank holidays

You will receive a generous mileage allowance

As Interim Head of Housing you will lead and manage all housing management services within a social housing environment, ensuring that customers receive high-quality, customer focused services. You will oversee tenancy management, rent collection, void management, anti-social behaviour, and the independent living service, ensuring compliance with the regulatory framework set by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH).

The role involves delivering operational excellence while driving continuous improvement in service delivery. This role will play a key role in ensuring the Who we are 6 organisation remains compliant with the Social Housing (Regulations) Act, RSH consumer standards, and other relevant housing legislation.

You will have

• proven leadership experience within the social housing sector, preferably in a housing association or local authority.
• In-depth knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act, Homelessness Reduction Act, and Equality Act.
• Strong understanding of the Regulator of Social Housing’s consumer standards, and the Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs).
• Demonstrated success in rent collection management, void management, and tenancy sustainment.
• Experience in resident engagement and complaint handling to improve customer satisfaction.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget oversight and delivery of value-for money services.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with residents, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Experience in change management and service transformation

What will I have to do?

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a housing management strategy that aligns with the organisation’s mission to provide safe, secure, and affordable homes.
• Provide leadership on housing policy, ensuring compliance with the Regulator of Social Housing’s consumer standards, including the Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs).
• Deputise for the Director of Communities & Customer Services, working and developing partnerships and housing policy locally and nationally.
• Act as the key advisor on housing-related matters, including changes in legislation, best practice, and sector trends.
• Lead initiatives to improve service delivery, including reducing rent arrears, improving void turnaround times, and enhancing resident engagement.
• Ensure that the organisation is well-prepared for regulatory and other inspections including In-Depth Assessments (IDAs) as required.
• Work in partnership with a range of colleagues and stakeholders, e.g., internal departments, Somerset Council (SC), Police, Councillors, other housing, voluntary and statutory organisations to maximise service quality, support communities, and put customers first.
• Work collaboratively with all other staff teams across the business supporting them in their work and provide cover and guidance as necessary.

Team leadership and Culture Development

• Provide strong leadership to the housing services team, ensuring they are motivated, well-trained, and aligned with the organisation’s values.
• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, provide reports to Board and Executive Team on housing and related matters.
• Develop a high-performance culture, setting clear objectives and ensuring accountability.
• Foster a culture of learning and development, ensuring colleagues are supported in their professional growth.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the team, ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities.
• Ensure effective succession planning and talent development to build future leadership capacity.

Tenancy & Estate Management

• Oversee all tenancy management functions, ensuring policies and procedures comply with the Housing Act 1988, Equality Act 2010, and other relevant legislation.
• Manage the rent collection process, ensuring robust systems are in place to maximize income while supporting tenants to sustain their tenancies.
• Ensure effective void management processes to minimize void periods and lost income. Oversee the management of anti-social behaviour (ASB), ensuring a balanced approach to enforcement and support.
• Ensure the delivery of estate services that promote safe, clean, and well[1]maintained neighbourhoods.
• Understand and contribute to budget planning, management, and expenditure including the oversight and control of the budget for your areas of responsibility.

Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure housing operations comply with the Regulator of Social Housing’s standards, including the Home Standard, Neighbourhood and Community Standard, and Tenancy Standard.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, including fire safety, gas safety, and electrical safety regulations.
• As Safeguarding Lead for the organisation, develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure safeguarding is embedded across the organisation.
• Ensure the organisation is prepared for regulatory submissions, including annual regulatory returns and inspection responsibilities.
• Lead on risk management for housing services, identifying key risks and implementing mitigation strategies.

Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure housing services are delivering value for money and meeting resident needs.
• Use Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) to assess and improve service delivery in line with regulatory requirements.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, using data and resident feedback to identify areas for enhancement.
• Lead on value-for-money initiatives to deliver cost-effective services without compromising quality.
• Benchmark performance against sector peers to ensure the organisation remains competitive and compliant.

What do I need to be successful?

Desirable skills & Experience

• Ability to produce reports and other written work in accordance with HiS corporate communications guidelines, at the agreed standard and on time. Agreed standards may include good knowledge of Microsoft office, including spreadsheets and emails.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) or equivalent.
• Knowledge of safeguarding policies and practices.
• Experience with digital transformation projects to improve housing services.
• Understanding of data protection (GDPR) and information governance.

Essential

• Degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., Housing Management, Social Policy, Public Administration) or Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) minimum Level 5 qualification.
• Proven track record of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in housing or related fields.

Desirable

Leadership or management qualification (e.g., ILM, MBA)

How will I evidence my success?

• Ensure long-term housing strategies meet resident needs and regulatory requirements. Inspire, motivate, and develop the team to achieve high performance.
• Ensure residents are at the heart of service delivery, improving satisfaction and accountability
• Ensure housing services meet regulatory requirements and best practice standards. Ensure customer satisfaction and key performance indicators meet the relevant targets agreed for the organisation
• Manage budgets effectively and delivers cost-effective services.
• Build strong relationships with residents, partners, and external agencies.
• Lead service improvement initiatives to drive efficiency and enhance resident experience.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: £60,000.00-£65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Application question(s):

• Are you able to attend a face to face interview in Bridgwater on 30 June 2025?

Experience:

• housing: 3 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• minim level 5 qualification in a relevant field (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bridgwater TA6