At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the future of private sector housing in Canterbury.
- Company: Join Canterbury City Council and make a difference in housing standards.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and employee perks for a balanced life.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of national housing reform and influence positive change.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 61645 - 61645 £ per year.
Location: Canterbury
Salary: From £61,645.19 per annum (plus £3,621 car allowance)
Job type: Full time, Permanent
Hours: 37 Hours per week
Closing Date: 30th July 2026
Do you believe everyone deserves a safe, secure, and good-quality home? Are you an experienced housing or environmental health professional ready to lead, influence, and shape the future of the private rented sector? This is a rare opportunity to join Canterbury City Council in a leadership role at a time of major national reform, including implementation of the Renters' Rights Act.
What's in it for you?
- Annual cost-of-living pay award
- Flexible, hybrid working arrangements
- Generous annual leave starting at 26 days increasing to 31 days after 5 years' service plus 3 additional days over Christmas, with the option to buy more
- Local government pension scheme
- Support for career development, including training opportunities and coverage of Professional Body Membership fees where needed
- Employee perks, including multiple retailer and lifestyle discounts
- Free use of Canterbury's Park and Ride, flexi bus tickets, and a cycle to work scheme
- Access to free counselling, advice and webinars through our employee assistance programme, as well as contributions to the cost of Flu Jabs
About this role:
This role provides strategic and operational leadership for Private Sector Housing within Locality Services, reporting to the Head of Locality Services. You will lead a complex statutory service at a time of significant national reform, including implementation of the Renters' Rights Act, by setting clear direction, developing policy, assuring compliance and driving continuous service improvement. You will lead and support a multidisciplinary team, manage significant budgets and resources, and act as the Council's expert adviser on housing regulation, enforcement, contractor management and policy. A key part of the role will be building strong relationships with stakeholders, government bodies and the wider community, representing Canterbury City Council at officer, member and public meetings to advance housing standards and strategic priorities.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading the Private Sector Housing Team
- Delivering statutory housing functions
- Leading implementation of the Renters' Rights Act
- Setting long-term objectives and monitoring service performance
- Delivery of stock condition survey programmes
- Overseeing Disabled Facilities Grants and adaptations within our own housing stock
- Managing the Social Letting Agency
- Partnership working and representing the team at officer, member and public meetings
About you:
Your qualifications:
- Degree or professional qualification in Environmental Health, Housing, Surveying or a related field
- Leadership or management training
- An enhanced DBS check and references will be required for the successful applicant
Your knowledge:
- Demonstrable knowledge of Renter Right Act 2025, Housing Act 2004, Housing & Planning Act 2016, HHSRS and related statutory frameworks
- Understanding of regulatory codes of practice, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act
- Extensive knowledge on construction, building engineering services, materials and common property defects
- Understanding of contract and procurement processes relevant to DFG and works in default
Your experience:
- Extensive management experience within local authority housing, private sector housing, environmental health or another regulatory service
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, setting service priorities and driving improvement in a complex statutory environment
- Experience of managing budgets, contractors and commissioned works, including Disabled Facilities Grants, adaptations or works in default
- Experience communicating confidently with a range of audiences and influencing strategic direction across the private rented sector
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at Canterbury City Council:
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity in everything we do. We provide a safe and welcoming environment where everyone is valued, included, and respected. Our diversity strengthens our ability to serve the diverse communities we support through our work. To demonstrate this through our actions, all applications are anonymised for the shortlisting panel, allowing all applicants to be assessed on merit alone.
Please click the Apply button and you will be redirected to the council's website to begin your application form.
Lead Private Sector Housing Manager in London employer: Canterbury City Council
Canterbury City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to training and development, this role as Lead Private Sector Housing Manager not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community but also provides a rewarding career path in a vibrant location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Private Sector Housing Manager in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Canterbury City Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Canterbury City Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Private Sector Housing Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Canterbury City Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canterbury City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Canterbury City Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Canterbury City Council.
