Senior Private Sector Housing Officer

Make a real difference to people’s homes, health and lives.

We know experienced private sector housing professionals are in demand. That’s why this role has been designed to offer variety, support and the chance to genuinely improve housing standards across the borough.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is looking for a Senior Private Sector Housing Officer to join a well‑established, supportive Housing team. You’ll lead complex work in the private rented sector while also mentoring officers, shaping service delivery and influencing real change for residents.

If you enjoy solving problems, working with people, and seeing the impact of your work on the ground, this role offers challenge and purpose.

What you’ll be doing

This is a hands‑on senior role, balancing operational work with leadership and project delivery.

You will:

• Lead on complex private sector housing cases, including disrepair, HMOs, overcrowding, empty homes, caravan sites and fire safety.
• Carry out inspections using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and take proportionate enforcement action including service of statutory notices, civil penalties and prosecutions.
• Provide practical, solution‑focused advice to landlords, tenants and managing agents.
• Line manage and support:
  • 2 Private Sector Housing Officers
  • 1 Tenancy Compliance Officer
• Deliver and support housing assistance, including Disabled Facilities Grants and discretionary grants.
• Lead and contribute to projects that improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty and support low‑carbon homes.

You’ll have the freedom to use your professional judgement, supported by an experienced manager and a collaborative service.

What we’re looking for

We’re keen to hear from housing professionals who are confident, practical and people‑focused.

You don’t need to tick every box on day one. If you have strong enforcement experience and the right approach, we’ll support your development.

You will bring:

• Solid experience (around 3 years or more) in private sector housing enforcement or a similar regulatory role.
• Experience inspecting properties and managing cases through to resolution.
• A good working knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS.
• The confidence to make decisions, manage difficult conversations and apply enforcement proportionately.
• Strong communication, organisation and IT skills.
• Experience supporting, supervising or mentoring colleagues (or readiness to step into this responsibility).

Essential qualifications:

• A Levels (or equivalent).
• A relevant professional qualification in private sector housing, environmental health, building surveying, construction or similar.
• HHSRS certificates of competency for assessment & enforcement.

This post is subject to a satisfactory basic DBS check

What we offer:

• Financial: An attractive basic salary within a clear pay structure
• Holiday Entitlement: 26 days annual leave (increasing to 29 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service) plus three additional days in December and bank holidays.
• Pensions: Membership of the Local Government (CARE – Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme – Employer contribution of 19.7%.
• Free staff parking and an essential car user allowance of £1000 per annum (pro-rated for part time staff).
• Hybrid: The Council operates a hybrid working model with minimum 2 days working in the office.
• Access to HAPI an all‑in‑one benefits hub, giving you easy access to a wide range of employee perks, wellbeing support, discounts, and everyday savings.
• Personal Development: Invaluable training opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Employee Assistance Programme: The Council has partnered with Health Assured to provide staff with access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) to assist in balancing everyday life with the requirement of work and home.
• Take a look here at all the additional benefits that we offer.

Equal Opportunities

Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding

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