At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Housing Needs service, overseeing a team of 150 staff and managing key relationships.
- Company: Join a London Borough committed to improving housing options and support for the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a strategic leadership role with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in homelessness solutions while shaping housing policies and practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing services and strong leadership skills are essential for this role.
- Other info: This is a temporary position while the Council recruits a permanent Head of Housing Needs.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Park Avenue are working in partnership with a London Borough that is on the lookout for a Head of Housing Needs, with the role spanning Housing Options, Temporary Accommodation (a key area of focus for them, despite a huge drop in numbers in 2024), and Housing Supply (particularly relevant given their location).
Structurally, you will have three direct reports across these areas, meaning you will be overseeing the Housing Needs service in its entirety - a team of roughly 150 staff. You will also lead on the Council's relationships with external partners, including registered providers, private landlords, and MHCLG.
For six months, you will be steering the service both operationally and strategically while the Council recruits permanently. A key part of the role will involve working with elected members and gaining internal buy-in to influence Council officers - as the expert on all things Homelessness!
If this sounds of interest, please send your CV to (url removed) along with your availability for a call.
Head of Housing Needs employer: Park Avenue Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Park Avenue Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Housing Needs
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current housing policies and challenges in London, especially those related to homelessness. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations with stakeholders and demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing sector, particularly those who have experience working with local councils. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you would manage a large team effectively. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams through change or challenges, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific London Borough's recent initiatives and partnerships in housing. Being able to reference these in your discussions will show your genuine interest in the role and your proactive approach to understanding their needs.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Housing Needs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Housing Needs position. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as overseeing Housing Options and Temporary Accommodation, to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your experience in housing services, particularly in managing teams and working with external partners. Showcase any previous roles that involved strategic leadership or operational oversight in similar contexts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for addressing homelessness and your ability to influence stakeholders. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Park Avenue Recruitment
✨Understand the Housing Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current housing needs landscape, particularly in London. Be prepared to discuss recent trends in housing options, temporary accommodation, and housing supply, as well as how these might impact the role.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Highlight your experience in managing large teams and overseeing complex services. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams, especially in challenging environments, and how you can inspire and motivate a team of 150 staff.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your ability to build and maintain relationships with external partners, such as registered providers and private landlords. Prepare to discuss strategies you've used in the past to foster collaboration and gain buy-in from stakeholders.
✨Engage with Elected Members
Since working with elected members is crucial, think about how you would approach this aspect of the role. Be ready to share your thoughts on influencing Council officers and gaining internal support for housing initiatives.