At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects to reduce homelessness and improve housing solutions in Brent.
- Company: Brent Council, a vibrant and diverse local authority in London.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, excellent pension, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to diversity and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of homeless households and shape community solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in homelessness services and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55323 - 58461 £ per year.
Salary range: £55,323 - £58,461 inc. London weighting
Contract: Fixed term/Secondment (12 months)
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Civic centre and other locations from time to time
Help shape the future of homelessness services in Brent. Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here. The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us.
This is an opportunity to lead high-profile programmes that directly improve outcomes for homeless households while reducing the council’s reliance on costly temporary accommodation. As our Temporary Accommodation Specialist Project Manager, you’ll drive practical, fast-paced initiatives that help residents move into settled accommodation more quickly — from bringing newly acquired homes into use, to leading targeted move-on activity for households in high-cost placements. This is not a traditional back-office project role. You’ll be working across operational services, data, housing supply and strategic delivery — solving problems, influencing stakeholders and making things happen on the ground.
The Post
We’re looking for a driven and solutions-focused project manager to lead key homelessness reduction and temporary accommodation transformation programmes across Brent. You’ll work at the centre of Housing Needs & Support services, coordinating complex projects that improve resident outcomes, reduce costs and strengthen pathways into long-term housing.
You will:
- Lead programmes that reduce the use and cost of temporary accommodation
- Support homeless households to move into suitable long-term housing faster
- Coordinate the mobilisation of newly acquired homes and ensure properties are brought into use quickly
- Use data and insight to identify priority cases, track performance and drive service improvements
- Work closely with Housing Needs & Support, Property Services, Housing Management, landlords and external partners
- Support innovative housing solutions, including private rented sector and supported accommodation initiatives
- Produce performance and savings reports for senior leaders and governance boards
This is a highly visible role where you’ll have the opportunity to influence both operational delivery and strategic decision-making.
The Person
You’ll bring strong experience of homelessness and temporary accommodation services within a local authority setting, alongside the ability to manage multiple complex workstreams in a fast-paced environment.
You will have:
- Experience delivering homelessness, temporary accommodation or housing transformation projects
- A strong track record of improving outcomes and reducing temporary accommodation costs
- Excellent analytical and digital skills, with the ability to turn complex data into actionable insight
- Strong stakeholder management skills and confidence working with senior leaders and partners
- A practical, delivery-focused mindset — someone who can move from strategy into action
- Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills
Most importantly, you’ll be collaborative, resilient and outcome-focused, with the ability to build relationships, influence change and deliver measurable results quickly.
Make your impact where it matters most. Join Brent and help shape innovative homelessness solutions that make a lasting difference for residents and communities. We know people achieve their best when they feel valued. At Brent, you’ll benefit from:
- Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays
- Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS)
- Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
- Supportive family-friendly policies for parents, guardians, and carers
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans
- Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career
- Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application. We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances. As a disability confident employer Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including “non-visible” disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@brent.gov.uk.
Location: Brent Civic Centre, HA9 0FJ, GB
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary Accommodation Specialist Project Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like Brent Council!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at Brent Council that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Temporary Accommodation Specialist Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at Brent Council. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for Brent Council.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at Brent Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brent Council
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of Brent Council resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Temporary Accommodation Specialist Project Manager position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
