At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategic direction of housing services, shaping policies that impact thousands of residents.
- Company: Gateshead Council, committed to modernising services and putting residents first.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and extensive development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative leadership team focused on community wellbeing and sustainable services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while leading innovative housing solutions.
- Qualifications: Extensive housing knowledge and senior leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Do you want to lead the strategic direction of housing in Gateshead, shaping policies, services and investment that impact thousands of residents every day? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. These roles form part of a wider organisational redesign to ensure the Council is structured to deliver high-quality, efficient and sustainable services for the people of Gateshead. This supports our commitment to modernising how we operate, strengthening accountability and putting residents at the heart of everything we do, ensuring everyone in our borough can thrive.
At Gateshead Council, we pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to housing and community wellbeing. We believe our employees are the driving force behind our Thrive agenda, and as a senior leader you will be instrumental in shaping the future vision of housing across the borough. You will join a leadership team that values collaboration, innovation and integrity. You'll have the freedom to influence policy, drive service transformation, and lead a wide range of housing services that directly improve the lives of our residents.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development, delivery and continuous review of the Council's Housing Strategy and supporting strategies, including homelessness, allocations and housing development.
- Provide overall leadership and assurance for statutory housing responsibilities, including homelessness prevention, assessment, temporary accommodation and housing support services.
- Provide strategic oversight of housing allocations, waiting list management, nominations and end-to-end voids performance and strategy.
- Lead tenancy, leaseholder and estate management services, including supported and older persons' housing across the HRA.
- Provide corporate leadership and assurance for housing-related anti-social behaviour services, ensuring alignment with safeguarding and community safety priorities.
- Provide strategic direction for caretaking and handyperson services, ensuring they support tenancy sustainment and neighbourhood standards.
- Lead refugee and asylum housing services, working with partners and government bodies to deliver compliant and effective support.
- Lead rent and service charge policy, income collection and debt recovery, maximising income and supporting HRA viability.
- Provide strategic oversight of housing customer contact services, ensuring a single, effective front door and excellent customer experience.
- Provide assurance on building safety and regulatory compliance and act as the Principal Accountable Person for housing safety.
- Lead the Council's housing development and investment programme, securing funding and delivering new homes and regeneration outcomes.
- Ensure a viable and sustainable Housing Revenue Account, including oversight of the 30-year HRA Business Plan and Asset Management Plan.
- Lead performance management, data insight and systems development to support evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Ensure strong tenant and partner engagement, with clear evidence of the tenant voice influencing decisions, policies and service delivery.
- Contribute to the strategic leadership of the wider Group and deputise for the Strategic Director where required.
- Provide senior professional advice and representation to elected Members, partners, regulators and government bodies, and support emergency response arrangements as required.
Qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of housing strategy, legislation, regulatory standards and Housing Revenue Account management.
- Significant senior leadership experience managing large, complex housing services and workforces.
- Proven ability to lead and integrate housing functions, including homelessness, allocations, tenancy management, development, anti‑social behaviour and building safety.
- Strong financial leadership, including HRA planning, efficiency delivery and securing external funding.
- Extensive experience of procurement, commissioning, contract management and service delivery at scale.
- Strong stakeholder and partnership working skills, including working with elected Members, regulators and government bodies.
- An approved Level 5 housing management qualification (or willingness to achieve within agreed timescales) and a degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience, with a commitment to ongoing professional development.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too.
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Service Director - Housing in Gateshead employer: Gateshead Council
Gateshead Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its employees and residents alike. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive salaries, and generous benefits including flexible working options and a robust pension scheme, we empower our staff to lead impactful housing strategies that enhance community living in Gateshead. Join us in shaping a thriving borough where your contributions truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director - Housing in Gateshead
✨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 Gateshead 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 Gateshead 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 Service Director - Housing in Gateshead
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 Gateshead 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 Gateshead Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Gateshead 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 Gateshead Council.
