Head of Rent and Service Charges in Letchworth

Head of Rent and Service Charges Salary

: £79,714 + £5,000 salary supplement + excellent benefits Location

: Wooburn Green, High Wycombe or Letchworth Garden City Hybrid working

: A minimum of two days per week in the office, three days per week working from home Contract

: Permanent

Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose? At Lifestone Homes, we’re proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger we’ve brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve If you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we’d love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we’re building a better future. About the role We are looking for an experienced Head of Rent and Service Charges to lead a critical service area that directly supports the financial sustainability of Lifestone Homes and delivers transparency and value for residents. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for overseeing all rent setting, service charge management and related regulatory requirements across our housing portfolio. We are particularly looking for someone with strong technical expertise in rent setting and service charges, combined with a proven ability to lead, develop and inspire teams. You will provide strategic direction, operational leadership and expert advice, ensuring services are delivered accurately, efficiently and in line with legislative and regulatory expectations. Alongside your technical expertise, you will play a key role in developing capability across the team through effective coaching, performance management, succession planning and continuous professional development. Working closely with senior leaders, Finance, Asset Management and Housing teams, you will lead a high‑performing team while driving continuous improvement, customer satisfaction and value for money. Key responsibilities Lead the annual rent and service charge setting process across all tenures

Ensure compliance with rent setting regulations, lease agreements and service charge legislation

Oversee the preparation and distribution of service charge estimates and year‑end statements

Drive transparency through accurate billing and clear communication with residents and leaseholders

Manage and resolve complex rent and service charge queries and complaints

Monitor service performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and efficiencies

Lead forecasting and planning activities relating to rent and service charge income and expenditure

Act as the organisation's lead specialist on rent and service charge matters

Build effective relationships with residents, leaseholders, management companies, freeholders, local authorities and auditors

Ensure robust financial controls, governance arrangements and regulatory compliance are maintained

Develop and implement service improvements, systems enhancements and process efficiencies

Provide leadership, coaching and development to the Rent and Service Charges team

Lead projects and organisational change initiatives relating to rent and service charge services

Lead and develop the Rent and Service Charges team through effective coaching, mentoring and performance management.

Conduct regular one‑to‑ones, appraisals and development reviews, creating clear progression plans for colleagues.

Build capability within the team, ensuring colleagues have the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver excellent services.

Create a high‑performance culture that balances accountability, support and continuous improvement.

Act as the organisation's subject matter expert on rent setting and service charge legislation, regulation and best practice.

Our expectations Accurate and compliant rent setting and service charge processes

High levels of resident satisfaction and transparency in communication

Strong financial management and effective cost recovery

Compliance with all relevant legislation, regulation and internal controls

Improved performance, efficiency and value for money across the service

Effective forecasting and financial planning support

Strong stakeholder relationships and collaborative working across departments

A highly engaged, high‑performing team focused on continuous improvement

About you Essential Significant experience leading rent and service charge functions within a housing organisation

Proven experience managing teams and delivering high‑quality customer‑focused services

Strong knowledge of housing regulation, rent setting frameworks and service charge legislation

Experience driving process improvement, change initiatives and service transformation

Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial controls

Ability to build credibility and influence at senior leadership level

Excellent stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial and operational information

Experience using performance data to drive service improvements

Strong leadership skills with a coaching and development mindset

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

Degree in Finance, Housing or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience

Desired Experience leading large‑scale organisational change programmes

Experience implementing or embedding new systems and technology solutions

Professional housing, finance or leadership qualification

Experience within a large, complex housing organisation

Why join us? This is an exciting opportunity to lead a strategically important function within one of the largest housing providers in the region. You'll have the opportunity to shape how rent and service charge services are delivered, influence business decisions and drive improvements that directly benefit residents and support the long‑term success of Lifestone Homes. You'll join an organisation that is investing in its future, committed to service excellence and focused on creating homes and neighbourhoods where people can thrive. Benefits At Lifestone Homes, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, development, finances and work-life balance. Salary of

£79,714 + £5,000 salary supplement + excellent benefits

25 days annual leave

, increasing with service to a maximum of 30 days

30 days annual leave from day one

for Head of Service, Assistant Director and Director roles

Christmas closure

in addition to your annual leave entitlement

Option to

buy up to 5 additional days of annual leave

each year

Generous pension scheme

with up to

10% employer contributions

Annual performance bonus scheme

, recognising individual contributions and achievements

Enhanced family-friendly leave

, including maternity and paternity benefits

Health Cash Plan

with support for everyday healthcare costs, virtual health services, gym discounts and free cover for up to four dependent children

Life assurance

worth three times your annual salary

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

providing 24/7 confidential support for your mental, physical and financial wellbeing

Flexible and hybrid working

, helping you balance work and personal commitments

£200 annual flexible benefits allowance

to spend through our benefits platform

Generous sick pay and income protection cover

Essential car user allowance and business mileage payments

for eligible roles

And that's just the beginning! We also offer: Salary sacrifice car leasing scheme

with electric and hybrid vehicle options

Funded training, professional qualifications and apprenticeships

Two paid Giving Back Days

each year to support local communities and charitable causes

Up to 5 days paid carers leave

Up to 5 days paid emergency childcare leave

Paid professional membership or subscription

(one per year)

Peer recognition and reward programme

Sabbatical opportunities

for eligible colleagues

Mental Health First Aiders

across the organisation

Modern office facilities, including

free parking and EV charging

where available

Working Hours 37 hours per week

Monday - Friday

Our Commitment We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups. Accessibility and Adjustments We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required. Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made. Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form. Closing Date:

13/11/2026 We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.