At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Accommodation Service to support people facing homelessness and improve housing outcomes.
- Company: Braintree District Council, a forward-thinking and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, flexible hours, and extensive health programmes.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing services and strong operational leadership skills required.
Are you ready to lead a critical housing service and make a real difference to people facing homelessness? Braintree District Council has an exciting Accommodation Manager opportunity!
Location: Braintree, Essex, CM7 9HB
Salary: £48,945 - £53,082 per annum
Job Type: Full time, Fixed term contract for 2 years
Why choose Braintree District Council?
Braintree is an ambitious forward-thinking Council and is becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England with three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away and the district located directly between the international transport centres of Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports. We have a deserved track record for delivering and a strong reputation within the business community.
Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative and innovative approach which is led by our staff. We are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it.
Accommodation Manager - The Role:
You will lead the Council's Accommodation Service, overseeing Temporary Accommodation, Private Rented Sector access and accommodation procurement. You will provide strong operational leadership, managing placements, provider performance and contracts to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation and deliver sustainable housing outcomes. Working with partners, providers and internal teams, you will drive service improvements, ensure value for money, and support people to move into long-term, secure housing. You will lead a small dedicated team and act as the escalation point for complex cases and operational risks.
Accommodation Manager - Key Responsibilities:
- Lead operational delivery of the Accommodation Service, setting targets and performance measures, and monitor team performance using data to drive continuous improvement
- Oversee allocation and management of all temporary accommodation placements, including emergency activity, ensuring statutory compliance and minimising bed and breakfast use
- Monitor provider performance and contract compliance, taking action to address underperformance and maintain effective working relationships
- Lead case review activity on high-cost placements to reduce expenditure and support procurement of a cost-effective accommodation portfolio
- Work collaboratively across internal teams and external partners to develop move-on pathways and deliver coordinated accommodation solutions
- Ensure consistent, lawful decision-making in line with homelessness legislation and maintain health and safety standards across all accommodation
Accommodation Manager - You:
- Experience of working within a housing or accommodation service, including Temporary Accommodation
- Strong operational leadership skills, with the ability to manage performance and deliver results
- Experience of working with external providers, landlords or partners
- The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- A sound understanding of homelessness legislation and accommodation duties
- Strong communication, negotiation and partnership working skills are essential
Benefits:
- Hybrid working with at least 3 days per week in the office
- Competitive pay and benefits package
- Flexible working arrangements
- Free parking
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Learning and development opportunities
- Employee discounts at local businesses
- Extensive health and wellbeing programmes, including discounted gym membership
- Employee recognition schemes
Closing date for receipt of completed applications: Midnight on Monday 29th June 2026
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th July 2026
To submit your CV for this exciting Accommodation Manager opportunity, click Apply today.
Accommodation Manager in Braintree employer: Braintree District Council
Braintree District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and innovation thrive. With a strong commitment to employee engagement and professional development, staff enjoy flexible working arrangements, competitive benefits, and a supportive culture that prioritises health and wellbeing. Located in the rapidly growing district of Braintree, just 45 minutes from London, this role as Accommodation Manager provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community while enjoying a fulfilling career.
Contact Details:
Braintree District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Manager in Braintree
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Braintree District Council.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Braintree District Council.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Braintree District Council.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Braintree District Council. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation Manager in Braintree
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Braintree District Council. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Accommodation Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Braintree District Council
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Braintree District Council. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
