At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Housing Service, tackling homelessness and managing social housing allocations.
- Company: Join a progressive council dedicated to improving housing solutions in Hertford.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 29 days annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while growing your career in local government.
- Qualifications: Creative problem-solving skills and experience in housing policy are essential.
- Other info: This role offers a unique chance to influence housing strategies and collaborate with senior leaders.
The predicted salary is between 58669 - 67488 £ per year.
Head up our Housing Service! We are looking for an engaging and dynamic individual to head up our Housing Service and support the council's Senior Leadership Team to meet the increasingly diverse and complex challenges experienced by residents facing homelessness, drive up the supply of truly affordable homes, and ensure our choice-based lettings system leads to timely and effective nominations to registered providers.
The opportunities you'll have:
- Act as the council's strategic and operational lead for housing, including providing detailed advice and support to the council's Leadership Team and elected members.
- Develop and be accountable for the effective delivery and management of homelessness services, the council's temporary accommodation, housing advice and the allocation of social housing in the district.
- Work collaboratively to enable new affordable general needs, supported and specialist housing.
- Develop housing policy and maximise our access to external funding.
- Present briefings and reports to senior officers and elected members, as well as colleagues at all tiers of government.
Your skills and experience we will draw upon:
- A bias towards finding creative and innovative solutions to complex housing problems.
- An eagerness to convert legislation and guidance into policies, procedures and protocols.
- The skills to negotiate with and influence partners to join the council in delivering strategic housing-related programmes, projects and actions.
- A resilient approach to working effectively and sensitively within a political environment.
- A flexible, can-do stance even when dealing with contentious or stressful issues.
What's so good about working for us?
- Full support from our experienced Director - Communities and established Senior Leadership Team as well as our highly skilled Housing team.
- Internal and external training and development opportunities.
- Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time, with hybrid working (50/50 home and office).
- A fantastic stepping stone to the range of opportunities local government reorganisation will undoubtedly bring for effective and motivated senior managers.
- 29 days' annual leave, rising to 34 days with 5 years' local government service.
Closing date: 9.00am, Tuesday 22nd April 2025. Interviews will be held on: Thursday 1st May or Friday 2nd May 2025.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, valuing diversity and maintaining a firm commitment to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. We believe that creating inclusive environments leads to stronger collaboration and better outcomes in our work.
Housing Lead in Hertford employer: East Herts Council
Contact Detail:
East Herts Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Lead in Hertford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current housing policies and challenges in Hertford. Understanding local issues will help you engage effectively during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to addressing homelessness and affordable housing.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing sector, especially those involved with local councils. Attend relevant events or forums to build connections that could provide insights into the role and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative solutions you've implemented in previous roles. Highlighting your creative problem-solving skills will resonate well with the council's need for dynamic leadership in tackling complex housing issues.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the council's recent initiatives and strategic goals related to housing. Being able to reference specific projects or policies during your interview will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Lead in Hertford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Housing Lead position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in housing services, policy development, and leadership roles. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to tackle complex housing issues.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the council's mission. Highlight specific examples of your past work that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work within a political environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Herts Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Housing Lead position. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by residents experiencing homelessness and the importance of affordable housing. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex housing issues in the past. Highlight your creative and innovative solutions, as this is a key aspect of the role. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your interventions made a significant impact.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Approach
The role requires working closely with various stakeholders, including the council's Leadership Team and elected members. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with partners in previous roles and how you can influence others to achieve strategic housing goals.
✨Be Ready for Political Sensitivity
Given the political environment, it's crucial to show that you can navigate sensitive issues effectively. Prepare to discuss how you've managed contentious situations in the past and how you maintain professionalism while advocating for housing solutions.