At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-volume repairs service, ensuring homes are safe and compliant.
- Company: Lewisham Council, a proud Borough of Sanctuary championing diverse communities.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in social housing repairs.
The predicted salary is between 78629 - 86121 € per year.
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.
Are you ready to lead a high volume repairs service that puts residents first—getting homes safe, compliant and right first time? We’re looking for a senior leader to oversee responsive repairs, voids, disrepair and complex works in a demanding social housing environment, improving performance, satisfaction and regulatory compliance.
You’ll lead end to end repairs operations, including the repairs contact centre, responsive repairs, voids, disrepair, and complex and cyclical works. This includes managing both direct labour and subcontracted delivery, strengthening contract performance, and ensuring high standards of health and safety, quality, and customer care. You’ll be a visible, values driven leader—present with teams and residents alike, able to inspire a strong service culture, influence senior stakeholders and consistently deliver better outcomes for residents at scale.
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
We are looking for more than technical expertise. You will be a confident, visible leader with the credibility and personal authority to build trust across the organisation, from frontline teams to senior leadership, Members and residents. You will lead with integrity, creating a culture where people feel valued, accountable and focused on delivering excellent services. Your ability to bring people with you, even when navigating challenge and change, will be critical to your success. You will also bring a sharp, forward-thinking mindset, able to translate complex issues into clear, deliverable solutions. Whether driving improvement, responding to emerging regulation or tackling long-standing service pressures, you will combine strategic thinking with practical delivery. Above all, you will be motivated by making a tangible difference, improving services, strengthening performance, and ensuring residents receive the standard of service they deserve.
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, 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.
Full membership with either the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is required. This role attracts a market supplement of £7,963 per annum.
The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs. 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.
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.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Head of Repairs in London employer: Borough of Lewisham
Join Lewisham Council as the Head of Repairs and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the lives of our diverse communities. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer excellent training opportunities, generous holiday allowances, and flexible working arrangements, all within a supportive work culture that values integrity and collaboration. Located in the heart of London, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a range of benefits including local discounts and a robust pension scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Repairs in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Lewisham Council and their values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led teams through challenges or improved services. Being able to share these experiences will demonstrate your credibility and personal authority during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your vision! The role is all about improving performance and delivering excellent services. Prepare to talk about your strategic thinking and how you would tackle the complex issues facing the repairs service.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Repairs in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so make sure you highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the role.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make it personal and specific to the Head of Repairs role. We love seeing how you meet each of the person specification criteria, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership skills and experience.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for improving services comes through in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to help you along the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of repairs operations, especially in a social housing context. Brush up on relevant regulations and best practices, so you can confidently discuss how you would improve performance and compliance.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and build trust among diverse groups, as this role requires a visible leader who can connect with both frontline staff and senior stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges, like managing complex works or improving customer satisfaction. Think through potential scenarios and have clear, actionable strategies ready to discuss.
✨Emphasise Your Values
This role is all about making a difference in the community. Be prepared to talk about your personal values and how they align with the organisation's mission. Show that you're motivated by more than just technical expertise—it's about delivering excellent services for residents.
