Voids/Repairs Service Manager in Leeds

As Service Manager - Voids/Repairs, you will have the responsibility for ensuring the delivery of a large-scale programme of landlord's repairs activity. You will provide proactive leadership to staff teams to ensure value for money through effective contract and performance management, and for ensuring that council homes are repaired and maintained to high standards. You will play a key role in ensuring regulatory requirements are met and support Housing Leeds's ambition to be the best local authority housing provider in the UK. The role covers managing repairs programmes for one of three geographic areas (east, south, or west) and leading consistency of void performance monitoring across the city. The role offers an opportunity to work with residents of Leeds and multi-disciplinary teams within the Housing Leeds service and wider council landlord functions.

Within the sector’s regulatory context, you will help lead across the repairs and maintenance service to deliver a customer-focused service, drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and achieve performance targets in line with the Council's standards and policies. You will also contribute to value for money through effective management of internal and external service providers.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams across the Asset Management (Housing) portfolio and wider Housing/Landlord services to deliver an effective repairs and maintenance service that meets landlord duties, corporate responsibilities, and all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure repairs and maintenance activity is customer-centric and meets the diverse needs of residents.
• Manage strong, effective contract/supplier management to achieve value for money and continuous improvement.
• Maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Ensure activities comply with the Council's policies and requirements including financial regulations, contract procedure rules, health and safety, equality/diversity/inclusion, safeguarding, and information governance.
• Plan resources and budgets effectively to meet performance targets within agreed budgets and timescales.
• Foster an effective learning culture that links to resident engagement and knowledge/information management to develop the service.
• Contribute to policy and strategy development and lead the delivery of a service plan for the area of responsibility.
• Take a lead role in procurements and project delivery within the service area.
• Lead, manage and motivate staff; recruit, train, and develop staff in accordance with Council policies.
• Lead by example with a can-do approach, delivering services in a professional, competent, and customer-focused way.
• Deputise for the Deputy Head of Service as required.
• Be prepared for non-exhaustive duties commensurate with the post and, occasionally, work outside normal hours to meet service demands.

Essential and Desirable Requirements

• A detailed knowledge of landlord responsibilities and legal duties for repairs and maintenance.
• Detailed knowledge of contract management and partnership working; extensive knowledge of building services maintenance and property compliance requirements.
• A thorough knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and practice (including Asbestos) and the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015.
• A sound understanding of social housing and government policy including current sector issues.
• Strong commercial knowledge and understanding of procurement procedures, contract management, and procurement legislation.
• Ability to lead and manage staff, communicate effectively, and maintain professional stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to analyse complex information and develop appropriate solutions or strategies.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and budgets; experience in budget development and project management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and experience managing a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience in report writing and presenting to varied audiences; recognised project management qualification is desirable.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., RICS) is desirable.
• Experience of high-value contract management and working in a political environment.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and equality and diversity principles.
• Right to work in the UK or appropriate sponsorship arrangements as required.

This post requires a current UK driver's licence and access to a vehicle. Leeds City Council values diversity and is an equal opportunities employer.