At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve housing services to support residents in need.
- Company: Join Hillingdon Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous holidays, and health support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing services and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About the role
Lead housing supply. Drive performance. Deliver outcomes. Hillingdon Council is recruiting an exceptional Accommodation Service Manager to lead one of the most critical parts of our homelessness system. You will take ownership of Temporary Accommodation and Private Rented Sector (PRS) supply, placements and performance, driving improvements in quality, cost and resident outcomes across a high-demand service. This is a pivotal operational leadership role at the centre of delivery, where you will drive performance, improve system flow and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, playing a key role in delivering Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) outcomes. Working within a fast-paced and complex environment, you will bring strong leadership, operational oversight and a clear focus on results to improve services and outcomes for residents. You will lead the Accommodation service across Home Finder (PRS supply) and Accommodation Teams (placements and management), ensuring strong operational delivery and high-quality outcomes for residents.
Responsibilities will include:
- Leading and developing high-performing accommodation and housing supply teams
- Managing Temporary Accommodation and PRS placements across the borough
- Driving supply, placements and move-on activity across PRS and temporary accommodation
- Ensuring accommodation is safe, suitable, compliant and resident-focused
- Maintaining oversight of procurement activity, workflows and provider performance
- Monitoring property standards, safeguarding and compliance requirements
- Building effective relationships with landlords, providers and accommodation partners
- Using performance data and insight to identify issues and drive improvement
- Supporting MTFS delivery through cost control, increased supply and reduced reliance on temporary accommodation
- Driving continuous improvement across accommodation services in a high-demand environment
This is a fast-paced operational leadership role requiring strong commercial awareness, organisational skills and operational grip.
About You
We are looking for a confident, delivery-focused leader who can manage complexity and deliver results within demanding frontline services.
- Experience leading accommodation, housing, Temporary Accommodation or PRS services
- A strong track record of improving operational performance and service delivery
- Experience managing housing supply, demand and financial pressures
- Knowledge of housing legislation, property standards and compliance
- Strong leadership, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
- The ability to drive accountability, performance and continuous improvement
We want leaders who:
- Deliver outcomes and take ownership
- Thrive in fast-paced, high-demand environments
- Build strong relationships with landlords and accommodation providers
- Are focused on improving services and reducing costs
What You Can Expect
- A key operational leadership role with visible impact
- The opportunity to shape accommodation services and housing supply
- A central role in delivering MTFS and transformation priorities
- Strong leadership support and development opportunities
- Flexible and modern working arrangements
Why Hillingdon
Hillingdon is a stable, ambitious council investing in housing services and leadership to meet demand and deliver better outcomes for residents and communities.
About us
We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.
- Flexible Working Hours - We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
- 36 Hour Week - Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
- Generous Holiday Entitlement - increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
- Hillingdon Sports & Leisure - Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes - option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
- Cycle to Work - Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
- Local Government Pension Scheme - access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
- Vivup Benefits - Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
- Mental Health Support and Counselling Services - Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
- Travel Support - Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
- Trade Union Membership - The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees' freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly. The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.
Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.
Recruitment Information
Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a 'per application' basis. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:
- Enhanced DBS Check
- 2 years of Referencing
Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised. It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Accommodation Service Manager in London employer: Hillingdon Council
Hillingdon Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a real difference in the community. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive culture, you will have opportunities to enhance your skills in housing services while working collaboratively with landlords and providers. The council's commitment to staff well-being and professional growth makes it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Service 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 Hillingdon 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 Hillingdon 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 Accommodation Service 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 Hillingdon 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 Hillingdon Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Hillingdon 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 Hillingdon Council.
