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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in shaping housing standards and enforcing regulations.
- Company: Join Colchester, a vibrant city blending rich history with modern ambition.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and wellness perks like gym access and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health and housing while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Environmental Health Practitioner with leadership experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence housing policy and support vulnerable residents.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Private Sector Housing Manager
Salary £46,843 – £52,618 per annum + additional Market Force supplement
Contract Type:Permanent
Working Hours:37 hours per week
The Role
You will lead one of the strongest Private Sector Housing teams in the region: a capable, committed group with technical depth, professional pride, and the right culture. You will have real scope to shape future direction, influence policy, and lead meaningful change across a growing city.
You will play a central role in Colchester’s response to the Renters Rights Act by not only overseeing delivery and assurance, but by embedding new practice and strengthening long‑term standards. Your professional judgement will be trusted, your expertise valued, and your leadership visible across the organisation.
This is a role with real long‑term potential: the chance to shape a strategic service, build your leadership profile, and have a lasting impact on housing quality across Colchester.
What You’re Stepping Into
This is not a role where you inherit chaos. This is a role where you inherit existing momentum. You will lead:
- A team with solid foundations, strong technical skills, and the right mindset.
- A service with clear direction, confident leadership, and full organisational backing.
- A forward‑thinking authority that values strong, people‑centred leadership.
- A culture that values solution‑seeking, calm professionalism, and collaborative problem‑solving.
- A Head of Service who coaches, supports autonomy, sets high standards, and removes barriers.
- A portfolio where major legislative change has been prepared for, so your focus will be delivery, assurance, and strengthening practice — not crisis management.
- Senior‑level visibility, working with partners including Legal, NHS colleagues, regional networks, landlords, Members, and cross‑council leadership forums.
Your Leadership and Impact
As Private Sector Housing Manager, you will:
- Lead, develop, and motivate an experienced, highly capable team.
- Act as the Council’s technical expert for PSH policy, quality, and enforcement.
- Oversee delivery and ongoing assurance of the Renters Rights Act and shape the city’s long‑term approach to it.
- Direct proportionate, evidence‑based enforcement, including HMO licensing, civil penalties, and complex statutory interventions using the full range of Housing Act powers where appropriate.
- Strengthen safeguarding and vulnerability pathways with partners.
- Build strong internal and external relationships across Public Protection, Legal, NHS partners, landlords, and regional networks.
- Represent Colchester at senior internal and external forums.
- Shape improvement, innovation, and service consistency, contributing to wider Public Protection objectives.
Your work will directly improve health, safety, and housing conditions across a rapidly growing city.
Who Succeeds Here
We are looking for an emotionally intelligent, confident leader who brings:
- A recognised Environmental Health qualification.
- Substantial experience in private sector housing enforcement.
- The ability to lead calmly and decisively, especially in complex situations.
- Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
- A solutions‑focused mindset and a balanced approach to enforcement.
- Experience managing teams, budgets, and regulatory programmes.
- A desire to shape service direction and contribute to long‑term improvement.
Above all, you will be someone who sets high standards, builds trust, and leads with purpose.
Why Choose Colchester
This is a council that invests in its people. Your wellbeing, growth, and professional autonomy matter to us. You will benefit from:
Financial & Reward
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
- Additional Market Forces Supplement
- Tax‑efficient salary sacrifice e‑car loan scheme
- Bicycle loan and Cycle to Work schemes
- Stream financial wellbeing platform
- Additional wellbeing support through Stream
- Mileage and subsistence allowances
- Retail and lifestyle discounts (Vine Extras)
- Extensive online retail discounts through approved platforms
Leave & Flexibility
- Up to 26 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays and 2 extra statutory days
- Option to purchase additional leave
- Comprehensive flexible working scheme
- Relocation support for eligible new starters
Wellbeing & Support
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Wellbeing in the Workplace initiatives supported by trained Wellbeing Champions
- Discounted healthcare options
- Travel Plan discounts and sustainable commuting incentives
Lifestyle & Leisure
- Free use of Council gym or pools
- Discounted fitness memberships
- Access to Colchester Leisure facilities, including Aqua Springs spa and fitness classes, at discounted rates
Growth & Professional Development
- Fully funded professional membership
- Coaching, mentoring, apprenticeships, and leadership development opportunities
Why This Role?
Because it gives you:
- The space to lead with confidence.
- The chance to shape a high‑performing team.
- A Head of Service who values your expertise and backs your judgement.
- A team ready for a clear, steady, engaging manager.
- A service area with city‑wide impact and high visibility.
- A progressive council with ambition and appetite for improvement.
- The autonomy to influence service direction and drive meaningful change.
- A leadership environment where good ideas move quickly.
You will not just manage a service. You will shape it.
For an informal discussion, please contact: Andrew Tyrrell, Head of Public Protection Andrew.Tyrrell@colchester.gov.uk
Apply Now
If you want a leadership role with real purpose, impact, and professional autonomy, we would be delighted to hear from you.
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Private Sector Housing Manager employer: Colchester City Council
Contact Detail:
Colchester City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Sector Housing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Renters Rights Act and any upcoming legislation. Understanding these changes will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing sector, especially those involved in public health and housing enforcement. Building connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where you've driven innovation or improved housing standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Colchester's current housing challenges and successes. Being knowledgeable about the local context will show your commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Private Sector Housing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Private Sector Housing Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your qualifications as an Environmental Health Practitioner and any relevant post-qualification experience. Provide specific examples of your leadership in housing enforcement and public health initiatives.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Include examples of how you've successfully managed teams, budgets, and complex projects in previous roles, particularly in the context of housing or public health.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for improving housing standards and supporting vulnerable residents. Make sure to express your vision for the role and how you plan to drive innovation within the team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester City Council
✨Research Colchester's Housing Policies
Before your interview, make sure to familiarise yourself with Colchester's current housing policies and the upcoming Renters Rights Act. Understanding these will show your commitment to the role and your ability to lead the team effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully managed teams. Highlight specific examples where you inspired your team or drove significant changes in housing standards.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially in complex housing enforcement scenarios. Prepare examples of challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, focusing on innovative solutions.
✨Emphasise Communication and Collaboration
As a Private Sector Housing Manager, you'll need to work with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with different agencies or departments to achieve common goals.
