Strategic Programme Manager (Housing) in London

Make your impact where it matters most. In Islington, Housing supply and delivery is one of the council’s key priorities. The council is landlord to 25,500 council tenants and has 10,000 leaseholders and manages very high levels of housing need. Housing services are going through a period of significant and sustained change operating environment, high demand for housing and a complex and aging large housing stock and estate. We are determined to meet these challenges and deliver improvement at pace.

In addition to our improvement programme our governance, processes and culture need to continue to strengthen and modernise supports both the change and high demand delivery environment.

You will:

• Manage strategic programmes across Homes and Neighbourhoods from inception to completion and review.
• Take the lead on solving complex problems and challenges, carrying out analysis of data, systems and structures to develop solutions with service areas experts.
• Need a detailed understanding of legislative frameworks, contractual relationships and regulatory requirements in the context of the programme and projects being delivered.
• Promote programmes and projects within the department and the wider council to ensure they have appropriate visibility to key stakeholders and draw together key contributors and expertise from across the council.

About you

You’re an experienced strategic minded programme manager with extensive knowledge and experience in Housing. You’re as comfortable shaping strategy as you are getting delivery moving; you can lead through influence, not just line management; and you bring a test‑learn‑adapt mindset that balances ambition with evidence. You know how to hold benefits to the light, make smart trade‑offs, and communicate clearly with everyone from delivery teams to senior leaders.

Work style and support

We work in a genuinely hybrid way that keeps us close to our residents, partners and teams. You can expect a regular, in‑borough presence alongside the flexibility to work remotely, supported by modern collaboration tools and work spaces. While you will report into the corporate centre, these significant programmes of change have a matrix delivery model, drawing from the services themselves.

Why join us

A mandate to tackle organisation wide priorities with visible impact for residents. A supportive, learning‑oriented environment that values inclusion and diverse perspectives. Flexible working and council‑wide benefits, with clear development pathways.

Our staff benefits include:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion.

We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve.

Pre‑Employment Checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.