At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-volume repairs service, ensuring homes are safe and compliant.
- Company: Lewisham Council, committed to diverse communities and social impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and 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 services.
The predicted salary is between 78629 - 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.
Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- 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
We are looking for more than technical expertise. 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.
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.
Full membership with either the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is required.
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 make sure 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 in London employer: Lewisham Youth Service
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 development, we offer excellent training opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture that values integrity and collaboration. Located in the heart of London, you will have access to a range of benefits including a Local Government Pension scheme, staff discounts, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in social housing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Repairs in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector or related fields. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. At StudySmarter, we believe that understanding what makes a workplace tick can help you align your answers with their expectations, showing you're the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! As a potential Head of Repairs, you'll need to showcase your experience in managing teams and driving improvements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community and making a difference in Lewisham.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Repairs in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Repairs. We want to see how you can lead a high-volume repairs service and improve performance, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As a visible leader, it’s important to convey your leadership style in your application. Share examples of how you've inspired teams and built trust across different levels of an organisation. We’re looking for someone who can motivate and create a strong service culture!
Highlight Problem-Solving Skills:We love forward-thinking candidates! Make sure to include instances where you've tackled complex issues and delivered clear, actionable solutions. This will show us that you have the strategic mindset we need for this role.
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 the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do—just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Youth Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the repairs service and social housing environment. Familiarise yourself with current regulations and best practices in the industry. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to improving services for residents.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you inspire teams. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated challenges or implemented changes. Highlight your ability to build trust and create a culture of accountability, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Prepare scenarios related to managing repairs, handling resident complaints, or improving service delivery. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's goals, team dynamics, and future challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
