At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-volume repairs service, ensuring homes are safe and compliant.
- Company: Lewisham Council, a champion for diverse communities and the first Borough of Sanctuary in the UK.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in managing repairs operations.
The predicted salary is between 79629 - 86121 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Are you ready to lead a high volume repairs service that puts residents first—getting homes safe, compliant and right first time? We’re looking for a senior leader to oversee responsive repairs, voids, disrepair and complex works in a demanding social housing environment, improving performance, satisfaction and regulatory compliance.
You’ll lead end‑to‑end repairs operations, including the repairs contact centre, responsive repairs, voids, disrepair and complex and cyclical works. This includes managing both direct labour and subcontracted delivery, strengthening contract performance, and ensuring high standards of health and safety, quality, and customer care. You’ll be a visible, values‑driven leader—present with teams and residents alike, able to inspire a strong service culture, influence senior stakeholders and consistently deliver better outcomes for residents at scale.
What’s in it for you?
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family‑friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts, including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What We’re Looking For
You will be a confident, visible leader with the credibility and personal authority to build trust across the organisation, from frontline teams to senior leadership, members and residents. You will lead with integrity, creating a culture where people feel valued, accountable and focused on delivering excellent services. Your ability to bring people with you, even when navigating challenge and change, will be critical to your success. You will also bring a sharp, forward‑thinking mindset, able to translate complex issues into clear, deliverable solutions. Whether driving improvement, responding to emerging regulation or tackling long‑standing service pressures, you will combine strategic thinking with practical delivery. Above all, you will be motivated by making a tangible difference, improving services, strengthening performance, and ensuring residents receive the standard of service they deserve.
Location
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London, SE6 4RU, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special Conditions
Full membership with either the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is required.
Salary
£79,629 to £86,121 per annum (SMG3), plus a market supplement of £7,963 per annum.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to ensure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access‑to‑work scheme; further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.
Head of Repairs employer: Lewisham Council
Join Lewisham Council as the Head of Repairs and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the lives of our diverse communities. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous holiday allowances, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture that values integrity and collaboration. This role not only provides opportunities for professional growth but also allows you to make a meaningful impact in social housing, ensuring residents receive the high-quality service they deserve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Repairs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector, attend local events, and engage with community groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Repairs role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and be seen! Attend open days or community meetings related to housing repairs. Being visible not only helps you understand the community's needs but also showcases your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in social housing and repairs. Be ready to discuss how you can improve performance and satisfaction based on real-world examples—this will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Repairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for making a difference in vibrant communities shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission to support residents and improve their living conditions.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure you highlight your relevant experience and skills without unnecessary fluff. This helps us see your potential impact right away!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Repairs role. We’re looking for someone who understands the nuances of social housing, so show us how your background fits the bill.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of the repairs service. Familiarise yourself with the key challenges in social housing, especially around responsive repairs and compliance. This will help you speak confidently about how you can lead improvements.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach. Think about examples where you've inspired teams or navigated challenges. Highlight how you create a culture of accountability and excellence, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Connect with the Community
Since the role focuses on residents, be prepared to talk about how you would engage with them. Share ideas on how to improve customer care and satisfaction, showing that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations, like handling a disrepair complaint or managing a complex project. Think through your problem-solving strategies and be ready to explain your thought process clearly.
