At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform landlord services to improve housing management and resident support.
- Company: Southwark Council, dedicated to creating a fair and green borough.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commitment to inclusion, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of residents while shaping the future of housing services.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in complex organisations and a strong understanding of housing services.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to tackling inequalities and enhancing community well-being.
The predicted salary is between 102000 - 126000 £ per year.
Reference number: SC07910
Location: London
Schedule: Full-time
Salary Range: (Full time equivalent) £119,553 - £150,333
Contract Type: Permanent
About the Service
Landlord Services plays a critical role in delivering Southwark 2030, supporting a fair, green borough where residents can live safely and with dignity. The service manages around 55,000 council homes including 19 sheltered housing schemes and 2 extra care schemes, and supports over 37,000 tenants and 17,000 leaseholders. Its impact is felt daily, through the quality and safety of homes, the responsiveness of repairs, how effectively problems are resolved, and the extent to which residents feel listened to. Delivering services at this scale requires strong leadership and clear priorities, balancing safety, quality and affordability while navigating rising demand, constrained resources and heightened regulatory scrutiny.
What You'll Be Doing
You’ll provide strategic leadership for Landlord Services, setting the direction for how housing management, resident services and private housing services are delivered at scale. Working closely with elected members, senior officers and partners, you’ll ensure services are safe, responsive and financially sustainable, while driving improvement where required. You’ll lead a large diverse workforce through ongoing transformation, embedding a strong performance culture and ensuring landlord services play a central role in improving outcomes for residents and delivering the council's long term ambitions.
Key responsibilities:
- Set strategic direction: Define and maintain a clear strategic framework for landlord services, translating council priorities into robust plans, policies and delivery models.
- Ensure performance and compliance: Provide oversight and challenge on service performance, quality, safety and regulatory compliance.
- Oversee financial sustainability: Take accountability for significant budgets, ensuring effective financial control, value for money and long term affordability of services.
- Lead and develop the service: Build leadership capacity across the service, setting expectations, developing talent, and creating the conditions for consistent delivery of services.
- Influence and representation: Act as the council's senior lead for landlord services, advising members and senior officers, representing the service with residents, regulators and external partners.
What we’re looking for
We’re seeking an experienced senior leader who can provide clear direction for a complex landlord service. You’ll bring sound judgement and the ability to work effectively in a political environment, while evidencing the resilience needed to lead large scale services under scrutiny.
Key criteria:
- Operating at senior level: Experience working at senior management level within a large complex organisation, with accountability for housing related services.
- Leading strategic improvement: Evidence of setting long term direction and delivering sustainable improvement, including leading transformation and cultural change.
- Sector understanding: A clear understanding of the local government and social housing landscape, including statutory duties, governance, and the financial context.
- Assurance, performance and resources: Demonstrate the ability to oversee performance, manage complex budgets and ensure quality, compliance and value for money.
- Influence, values and leadership style: A collaborative and thoughtful leadership approach, with strong communication skills, political awareness and a clear commitment to public services.
Additional Information
Recruitment Timeline
- Closing date: 4 February 2026.
- Longlist: 6 February 2026.
- Technical Assessment: w/c 9 February 2026.
- Shortlist: 16 February 2026.
- Stakeholder Panel: w/c 23 February 2026.
- Interview: 6 March 2026.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the criteria below:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
- Are currently in care or have previously been in care.
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.
Benefits
Working for Southwark Council – Southwark
Director of Landlord Services in London employer: London Borough Of Southwark
Contact Detail:
London Borough Of Southwark Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Landlord Services in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector or local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Southwark Council's recent initiatives. Show us you’re not just interested in the job, but also in making a real impact on the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences leading teams through change. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking.
✨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!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Landlord Services in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director of Landlord Services role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role requires strong leadership, be sure to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We want to see your ability to drive improvement and manage change effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough Of Southwark
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Director of Landlord Services. Familiarise yourself with Southwark 2030 and how it impacts housing management. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around safety, quality, and financial sustainability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully led large teams through transformation. Think about specific instances where you've driven improvement and built a strong performance culture, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Landscape
Brush up on local government and social housing regulations. Being able to discuss statutory duties and governance will show that you’re not just a leader but also someone who understands the complexities of the sector.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be prepared to talk about how you would engage with elected members, residents, and external partners. Demonstrating your ability to influence and represent the service effectively will be key in showcasing your fit for this role.