Principal Officer

Principal Officer

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Charnwood Borough Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic repairs team and manage external contractors for top-notch service delivery.
  • Company: Join Charnwood Borough Council, dedicated to serving the community with excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and inclusive workplace.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Construction-related qualification or equivalent experience required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Lead the responsive repairs team, maximising the productivity of in-house labour, and manage external contractors to deliver a high-quality repairs service. Lead the Business Support Team to support delivery of a high-quality repairs and voids service. Work closely with colleagues across the Council including those in voids, tenancy management, and the wider repairs and investment team, monitoring all repairs, from identification to completion. Manage disrepair claims and customer complaints. Proactively identify opportunities to improve performance and implement agreed initiatives to support the fast and efficient progression and completion of repairs. Deliver a high quality and safe repairs service, achieving compliance with regulatory and locally set standards and a high level of customer satisfaction. Produce and analyse management and performance information, and customer insight to identify and deliver improvements. Lead meetings, and support effective communication between internal departments, colleagues, and contractors, to support the fast and efficient progression and completion of repairs. Provide cover in the absence of the Principal Officer - Voids.

Core Requirements

  • Champions the Vision and Values of Charnwood Borough Council and works with members and staff from across the organisation in the best interests of the residents of the borough and the Council.
  • Responsible for managing the operational performance of the service area of responsibility in line with agreed corporate business and service plan objectives, key performance indicators, and service standards, including planning, budgetary processes, and risk management.
  • Leads, manages, and develops colleagues and team/s effectively within the service area of responsibility to support the provision of excellent services.
  • Provides support to and deputises for the Repairs and Investment Manager on specific matters as required.
  • Manages the revenue and capital budgets within the service area of responsibility.
  • Maintains effective and productive working relationships with colleagues and external partners.
  • Is committed to delivering appropriate services to all service users, inclusively and without discrimination.
  • Develops, implements, and reviews relevant risk assessments in the service area of responsibility.
  • Ensures that as far as reasonably practicable the Council's safeguarding policies and processes are embedded and adhered to in the service area of responsibility.
  • Embeds good data protection practice in the service area of responsibility.
  • Responsible for protecting and managing information securely, and reporting breaches or suspected information security breaches, in line with Council policies.

Special Factors & Conduct

This job profile sets out the principal duties associated with this post at the time it was drawn up but is not intended to constitute an exhaustive list. The postholder will be required to undertake duties and responsibilities as required that are commensurate with this role, and which may vary from time to time. A driving licence and access to a vehicle to travel throughout the borough.

Person Specification

Our Values

Our Charnwood Culture Framework is a set of core values that run through the way we work and the way we lead others. Our Leaders and Managers drive the Charnwood culture, demonstrating our values and ensuring the essence of Charnwood is understood by all.

Essential

  • A relevant construction-related qualification i.e., degree/membership of RICS/CIOB, or equivalent experience in the sections below.

Desirable

  • Evidence of continuing personal and professional development relevant to the role.

Experience & Skills

Essential

  • Experience of managing high-quality property repairs services.
  • Extensive experience, knowledge, and understanding of property repairs programmes and delivery.
  • Experience of leading and managing a team, and ability to motivate and empower others to achieve high performance in all circumstances and foster a positive working environment.
  • Ability to direct, control and manage resources, including both in-house and contracted labour and services, and associated budgets.
  • Ability to find and implement creative and innovative solutions to problems and improve processes.
  • Experience of working across teams to deliver shared aims and objectives.
  • Experience of identifying, monitoring and managing risk.
  • Knowledge of legislation and best practice in construction health and safety.
  • Ability to prepare, interpret, develop and report on performance data.
  • Excellent numeracy and literacy skills.
  • Computer literate with the ability to interpret computer information systems and asset databases.
  • Ability to understand and interpret budgetary information.

Principal Officer employer: Charnwood Borough Council

Charnwood Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while delivering high-quality services to the community. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and professional growth, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. Located in a vibrant borough, the Council offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on residents' lives while enjoying a fulfilling career in public service.

Charnwood Borough Council

Contact Details:

Charnwood Borough Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Officer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can lead to job opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to repairs and customer satisfaction. We want you to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture at Charnwood Borough Council.

Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to team management and problem-solving. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your answers.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. We believe it shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Officer

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Property Repairs Management
Budget Management
Risk Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading teams and managing resources, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. We want to see your ability to motivate and empower others!

Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities:We love candidates who can think outside the box! Share specific instances where you've identified issues and implemented creative solutions, especially in property repairs or similar fields.

Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate professionalism, don't hesitate to let your personality shine through. A bit of authenticity can make your application stand out. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

How to prepare for a job interview at Charnwood Borough Council

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of property repairs and the specific challenges that come with managing a repairs team. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and best practices in construction health and safety, as these will likely come up during the interview.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams and how you've motivated others to achieve high performance. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed both in-house and contracted labour, and be ready to share how you foster a positive working environment.

Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities

Think about times when you've identified opportunities for improvement in service delivery. Be ready to explain how you implemented creative solutions to enhance productivity and customer satisfaction, as this aligns with the role's focus on delivering high-quality repairs services.

Communicate Effectively

Since the role involves leading meetings and supporting communication between departments, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've facilitated effective collaboration in past roles, ensuring everyone is on the same page to support efficient repairs progression.