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- Tasks: Lead a team of Local Housing Managers to enhance resident satisfaction and ensure compliance.
- Company: Join Housing 21, a not-for-profit leader in Retirement Living for older people.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a nine-day fortnight, and a range of employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of older people while growing your career.
- Qualifications: No specific housing qualifications needed; just bring your passion and proactive attitude.
- Other info: Diversity is valued here; we encourage applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: South London & Surrey (Mobile Worker)
Hours: 35 per week
Salary: £53,425 per annum
Closing Date: 29th June 2025
Want to make a positive difference to society whilst accelerating your career in Housing?
Life doesn’t stand still, and neither do we. As a leading not for profit provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care for older people of modest means, we don’t believe in doing things the way they’ve always been done – instead we look for how things can be better, always putting our residents and people at the heart of what we do.
We all know we have a growing ageing population and at Housing 21 we believe all older people should be able to access good quality affordable homes and services.
Retirement Living is a unique housing service with residents’ wellbeing at the heart. We have one overarching aim – to provide high quality housing that is welcoming, comfortable, modern, safe and secure and has the right amount of support to help people live independently. Covid-19 has magnified the strengths and benefits of Retirement Living, showing the positive effect of community living in supporting individuals and reducing isolation.
We want to be able to offer this service to more older people, and have ambitious plans for growth. We’re committed to significantly investing in Retirement Living to make sure we have the right structure to provide the best service for residents, as well as providing opportunities for internal and external candidates.
To help us achieve our ambitions we are recruiting for an Operations Manager who shares our passion for good quality homes for older people.
The Role
You will line manage an average of 10/11 customer-facing Local Housing Managers (LHM's) and will play a key role not only in ensuring that each scheme is compliant with legal requirements such as safety, but also in improving resident satisfaction, which is already at 91% across the country! Excellent customer service, resolving issues and truly engaging with our residents is of upmost importance to us and you will make this happen.
You will also play an important role in our organisation’s performance, working with your teams to ensure that vacant properties are minimised, that we have a culture of tenancy sustainment and ensuring our services are affordable and costs are transparent.
An existing qualification in housing is not required - sharing our values and showing the right behaviours are what matter most to us. We’re looking for positive, proactive people who challenge where needed, connect with residents and employees at all levels, and are transparent in all that they do.
We value difference, both among our employees, and our resident population, and it’s important to us that all people from all backgrounds feel welcome in our schemes and among our teams. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates from diverse backgrounds. You will be encouraged to engage in projects across Housing 21, including being part of our internal networks that champion inclusion and diversity.
We believe that a good work life balance is important for you and the service you deliver. You will be required to travel, spending around 60% of your time on site with your teams and our residents, and will be empowered to decide when digital communication and video conferences are more appropriate.
The benefits
- Pension scheme
- Holiday pay
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Occupational Sick Pay
- Occupational Maternity/Paternity Pay
- Health Cash Plan
- Blue Light Card (offering discounts across retail, hospitality and leisure)
- Income protection
- Eye care vouchers
- Car lease scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Support to progress and develop
As part of our commitment to our employees and offering flexibility, Housing 21 now offer a nine-day fortnight, providing employees with the opportunity to work their hours across nine days. Further details on how this works, will be discussed with successful candidates upon on offer being made.
If you require more information before applying for this role, please see the attached job profile.
Closing date for applications 29 June 2025
Due to the nature of this role this advert may close earlier than the closing date listed and once sufficient applications have been received. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.
About us
At Housing 21 we pride ourselves on being passionate about people and are committed to investing in those who work for us to help them to be the best they can be.
When you work for us, you will be joining an organisation that holds the Investors in People Platinum standard and was rated the UK’s third Best Place to Work in 2024 by Glassdoor. Our people are our foundation, and we know how important it is to support them to do what they do best, whether through flexible working, learning new skills or being part of a friendly and supportive workplace culture.
We are incredibly proud of the culture we have created and celebrate the positive difference we make to society. If you think you’re ready for a new challenge and able to make a difference, then come and join us.
Operations Manager-South London & Surrey employer: Housing 21
Contact Detail:
Housing 21 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager-South London & Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of Housing 21. Understanding their commitment to providing quality housing for older people will help you align your responses during interviews and discussions, showcasing your passion for their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or professionals in the housing sector. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience in customer service and team management. Since the role involves managing Local Housing Managers and ensuring resident satisfaction, demonstrating your ability to lead teams and resolve issues effectively will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've contributed to diversity and inclusion in previous roles. Housing 21 values diverse backgrounds, so showcasing your commitment to these principles can strengthen your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager-South London & Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, particularly in housing or community services. Emphasise your ability to improve resident satisfaction and manage teams effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for providing quality homes for older people. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted previous teams or projects, aligning with the values of Housing 21.
Showcase Your Values: Housing 21 is looking for candidates who share their values. In your application, mention how you connect with their mission of improving the lives of older people and your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for an Operations Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Housing 21
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Housing 21 and their commitment to providing quality homes for older people. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs, especially regarding community living and resident engagement.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll be managing Local Housing Managers. Prepare examples of your leadership experience, focusing on how you've successfully led teams, improved customer satisfaction, and resolved issues in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The role requires a proactive approach to resolving issues. Think of specific instances where you've identified problems and implemented effective solutions, particularly in customer service or housing management contexts.
✨Prepare Questions About Inclusion and Diversity
Housing 21 values diversity and inclusion. Prepare thoughtful questions about their initiatives in this area, demonstrating your interest in fostering an inclusive environment for both residents and employees.
