
Director of Housing Resident Engagement and Services
Job Description
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!
We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Introduction
This is a role with real scale, complexity and opportunity. You will lead housing management services for over 19,000 homes, including council tenancies, leasehold properties and and supported housing. With a team of over 250 staff and a budget of £15m, you’ll be responsible for delivering high-quality, resident-focused services that reflect our values and meet the needs of diverse communities.
What’s the role?
As a key member of the directorate management team you’ll lead on resident engagement, complaints, and service improvement, playing a key role in preparing the service for inspection under the new Consumer Standards and the lifting of the regulatory notice issued in March 2024. You will need to be able to work across the whole housing system, engendering a collaborative approach and seeing the interdependencies between services. You’ll also oversee the transition of 1,800 PFI properties ahead of contract expiry in 2027, acting as Senior Responsible Officer for this major change programme.
What’s in it for you?
Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What we’re looking for
You’ll bring deep housing systems expertise, a track record of leading change, and a commitment to resident voice and service quality. You’ll be a visible, collaborative leader who empowers others and builds trust across the organisation. You’ll also be comfortable working in a political environment, advising elected members and representing the council externally.
Location
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London,SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Do Not apply for this role via this website
To apply visit https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe126290/Director-of-Housing-Strategy/
For further details, please contact our retained partners at GatenbySanderson, Frazer Thouard (frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com ) or Rachel Salvia (rachel.salvia@gatenbysanderson.com).
Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification
Salary
£113,334 - £119,346 per annum (DIR3)
N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply
The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Let’s stay connected, follow us on social media:
Salary range
- £113,334 - £119,346 per year