At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead housing allocations and temporary accommodation services to create sustainable solutions.
- Company: Join Sutton, a vibrant borough committed to community and change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for impactful work, and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing and improve lives in your community.
- Qualifications: Expertise in housing law, service transformation, and budget management required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and best practices.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Sutton is a borough defined by ambition, community and change. We are proud of our strong local identity, vibrant neighbourhoods and commitment to delivering services that make a real difference. Sutton is one of London’s greenest and safest boroughs, with excellent schools, thriving businesses and a strong sense of community. It is a place where people want to live, work and invest, and where we are determined to ensure everyone has access to a safe, secure and affordable home. Housing is central to that mission and we are now looking for four senior leaders to help us stabilise, modernise and transform.
We have come through a major transition and are embedding the Sutton culture across teams who have previously worked under a different operating model. Our priorities are clear: providing safe, secure and affordable homes; reducing the use of temporary accommodation; strengthening systems and compliance; and working in partnership with Sutton Housing Partnership and other stakeholders to put residents first. If you want to lead change with purpose and pace, this is your moment.
This is a role with real scale, complexity and opportunity. You will lead housing allocations and temporary accommodation services at a time of acute demand, with over 1,100 households in TA and significant nightly-paid usage. You’ll manage statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, oversee multi-disciplinary teams and budgets, and drive innovation in procurement and service delivery.
You’ll play a pivotal role in reducing the number of households in temporary accommodation, strengthening compliance and performance, and leading the Housing Allocation Scheme. You’ll work across the Council with Sutton Housing Partnership, Regulatory Services, Adults’ Social Care, Children’s Services, and the voluntary & faith sectors and community, to create sustainable move on pathways and improve outcomes for families. This is a chance to lead transformation in one of the most pressured areas of housing.
We are proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know there is more to do. Internal audits have highlighted areas for improvement, and we are committed to learning and delivering best practice. This role is central to that journey. We need a leader who can combine operational grip with strategic vision, and who can inspire a team that is ready for change.
About you
You’ll bring deep expertise in allocations of accommodation, income collection, TA and homelessness law, and a track record of leading service transformation. You’ll be collaborative, data-driven and confident managing complex budgets. You’ll also be politically astute and comfortable working across systems and partners. Above all, you’ll be a visible leader who delivers results and builds trust.
For further details, please contact our retained partners at GatenbySanderson.
Closing date: Sunday 1st February.
Head of Allocation & Accommodation in Sutton employer: Connected Local Government
Contact Detail:
Connected Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Allocation & Accommodation in Sutton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, especially those connected to Sutton. Attend local events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and get the inside scoop on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Sutton's housing policies and recent changes. Show us you understand the challenges and opportunities in the borough, and how your experience can make a real difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams through change before. We want to hear about your strategic vision and how you inspire others to achieve results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Allocation & Accommodation in Sutton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community service shine through. We want to see how you connect with Sutton's values and your commitment to making a difference in people's lives.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your expertise in housing allocations and homelessness law. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a solid track record in leading service transformation, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use simple language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us understand your qualifications and vision without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead change in Sutton.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Local Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Understanding these laws is crucial for the Head of Allocation & Accommodation role, so be ready to discuss how your expertise aligns with the statutory duties you'll be managing.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your experience in leading teams through transformation. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you inspired your team to overcome them. This role requires a visible leader, so let your passion for change shine through!
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves managing complex budgets and driving innovation, come prepared with insights on how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Discuss any metrics or KPIs you've improved and how they impacted service delivery.
✨Collaborate and Connect
This position requires working across various sectors and partners. Be ready to talk about your collaborative experiences and how you've built trust with stakeholders. Highlight any successful partnerships you've developed that led to positive outcomes for residents.