Maintenance Manager (Housing) (Contract) in London

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned technical and compliance leader with expertise across damp and mould, disrepair, fire safety, and contractor governance. They will have a strong understanding of statutory requirements, risk management, and audit processes, with the ability to oversee complex casework and ensure robust compliance with Awaab’s Law and FRA actions. Commercially astute and confident in procurement and contract management, they will combine strategic thinking with hands-on oversight of specialist workstreams. Excellent stakeholder management skills are essential, including the ability to influence contractors, liaise with legal teams, and report to SLT and Boards. The successful candidate will be analytical, detail-oriented, and committed to driving service improvements, innovation, and a high-performance, resident-focused culture.

The post-holder is responsible for providing strategic oversight and hands-on management of:

• Asset integrity and specialist workstreams
• Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) and M&E actions
• Contractor governance
• Budget Holder Management

Ensure robust audit trails, risk management, commercial control, and performance reporting to SLT/Board. As x is the landlord and holds statutory compliance responsibilities, the post-holder does not lead compliance functions, but ensures x fulfils all operational duties, contract requirements, and reporting obligations on behalf of x. The role provides senior leadership on service performance, contractor management, financial oversight, data insight, and resident experience across all Property Services workstreams. The post-holder ensures that x delivers a consistent, high-quality service while driving continuous improvement and supporting x through accurate operational reporting and risk escalation.

Produce D&M performance reporting; Manage the Disrepair service: inspections, legal liaison, disclosure processes, risk and cost management; ensure adherence to statutory/legal requirements and pre-action protocols.

• Ensure operatives, surveyors and contractors identify and report HHSRS hazards and building fabric risks during inspections, with accurate recording and escalation.

Fire Risk, Building Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure works are correctly scoped, prioritised, allocated and delivered within risk-rated timeframes.
• Oversee EICR and LGSR service to ensure full compliance.
• Coordinate with SNG’s M&E team for statutory testing, servicing and remedial works.

Contractor Management & Procurement:

• Full contractor management responsibilities for all allocated contractors.
• Lead procurement and commercial management of specific Property Services contracts in partnership with SNG Procurement.
• Oversee tenders, mobilisation, onboarding, variations and commercial negotiations.
• Set and monitor contractor KPIs (quality, compliance, productivity, cost variance); Chair monthly meetings and record performance.

Asset Data & Performance Reporting:

• Maintain regular oversight of repair records, inspection outputs and asset data for full auditability.
• Produce performance reports for SLT, Board, Committees, insurers and SNG, highlighting trends, risks and improvements.
• Align operational processes, workflows and policies with corporate and regulatory requirements; Drive a high-performance, resident-focused culture; identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency and service transformation.
• Work collaboratively with SLT, SNG, contractors and partners to improve services; lead change management during restructures.

People & Performance Management:

• Run 1:1s, appraisals, supervision and development plans.
• Deliver on-the-job coaching and shared knowledge practices.
• Manage sickness absence, capability, conduct and performance in line with SW9 HR procedures.

Complaints, Ombudsman & External Enquiries:

• Draft and oversee Stage 2 complaint responses, Ombudsman investigations and MP/Councillor enquiries.
• Ensure operational performance aligns with corporate/regulatory requirements and quality standards.
• Track budgets, productivity and unit costs; Contribute operational assurance data for SLT/Board reports (volumes, SLAs, WIP ageing, satisfaction).
• Work in collaboration with the Repairs Operations Manager and provide support in the absence of repairs team.

Degree-level education or equivalent through relevant training/experience commensurate to the role.

• Holds a management qualification (desirable).
• Evidence of continuous, challenging, and relevant professional development.
• Strong risk management, audit, and governance capability; Contractor procurement and commercial management experience.
• Knowledge of HHSRS, fire safety principles, building fabric and asset management.
• Practical experience responding to housing condition risks such as damp and mould.
• Excellent stakeholder management (SLT, legal, insurers, Ombudsman).
• Strong understanding of the Regulator of Social Housing’s Consumer Standards, including the Home Standard.
• Sound understanding of current and emerging challenges within the housing sector and the needs of diverse communities.
• Proven management experience within housing, property services, or repairs, with responsibility for budgets and service performance.
• Experience in transforming services, improving operational processes, and delivering measurable performance improvements.
• Track record of mobilising contractors, driving performance through KPIs, commercial management, and collaborative partnership working.
• Evidence of building strong, productive relationships with residents, stakeholders, contractors, and partner organisations.
• Experience developing and delivering operational strategies, policies, procedures, and service plans within a social housing environment.