Service Manager - Housing Strategy in Gateshead

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to lead the strategic direction of housing in Gateshead, shaping policies, programmes and investment that influence outcomes for thousands of residents?

If that sounds like you, keep reading – we might be the perfect match.

These roles form part of a wider organisational redesign to ensure the Council is structured to deliver high-quality, efficient and sustainable services for the people of Gateshead. This supports our commitment to modernising how we operate, strengthening accountability and putting residents at the heart of everything we do, ensuring everyone in our borough can thrive.

At Gateshead Council, we take pride in delivering high-quality services that make a real difference to residents’ lives. As a Service Manager, you will provide operational leadership across key functions, helping to shape services, drive improvement and support our Thrive agenda. You will be part of a collaborative leadership community that values innovation, integrity and strong partnership working.

Supporting services that make a difference to our communities

Our Strategic Housing Service

We’ve got an exciting opportunity for a Housing Strategy Service Manager to lead our wonderful Strategic Housing Service, whose ambition is to deliver on the aims set out in our Housing Strategies, including our Tenancy Strategy, Specialist & Supported Accommodation Strategy, Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy and our Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Strategy. The service is also responsible for commissioning supported accommodation across the borough for Young People, Victim/Survivors of Domestic Abuse and Adults with Multiple and Complex Needs, supporting people to live independently and with healthy lives.

What we are looking for

Are you an exceptional people manager who is passionate about the role housing can play to create strong, healthy communities and best meet the needs of Gateshead residents? Gateshead Council is seeking a Service Manager for Strategic Housing to support us with the delivery of a new vision for housing in Gateshead, this role will be influential in the creation of a new Housing strategy and wider transformation of our services following the appointment of a new leadership team, who are driven to deliver high performing services.

Working alongside the Head of Function for Strategic Housing and senior leaders across the Council, Registered Housing Providers and wider health and care system, you will lead the development and delivery of strategy, policy and the commissioning of a range of services to improve both housing and health outcomes.

This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation, champion prevention and deliver lasting change. You will bring together partners, communities and decision-makers to develop evidence-based solutions that strengthen communities, improve wellbeing and ensure every resident has the opportunity to live a healthier, happier life.

In return, you will join an ambitious and collaborative organisation committed to its Thrive agenda, where you will have the opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of current and future generations.

What you'll get to do

• Lead the production, implementation and review of a range of housing related strategies and policies
• Ensure effective data management, interrogation and analysis to inform strategy, policy and commissioning, preparing strategic reports, KPI’s and dashboards to guide decision making and inform senior leadership and elected members.
• Lead the commissioning of specialist and supported housing for adults with multiple and complex needs, young people and victims of domestic abuse
• Oversee contract development, review, renegotiation and tendering processes. Ensure robust arrangements for contract management and compliance for service continuity, value for money and to identify and report on key strategic risks and suitable mitigations
• Build and sustain, strong relationships and partnerships internally and externally, including with registered housing providers, support providers and the VCSE
• Represent the Strategic Housing function in senior local, regional and national meetings, ensuring strategic continuity and deputising for the Head of Function
• Participate in meetings with senior managers and elected members, contributing to strategic decision making, ensuring that strategy and commissioning activities remain aligned with organizational priorities and available resources
• Lead the delivery of key programmes, including business case development and approvals, subsequent delivery, budget control, risk and issues mitigation, any communications requirements and post completion review.
• Manage and monitor a range of budgets and contribute to the delivery of financial savings including to the HRA and the Councils wider Medium Term Financial Strategy, maximising external funding/financial support
• Lead, motivate and develop others, ensuring high standards of performance, wellbeing and professional practice. Support a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Drive forward continuous improvement, based on evidence, data and intelligence, ensuring the effective coordination and prioritisation of work, with clear plans to support change and demonstrating use of frameworks/methodologies to deliver improved performance and value for money

What you will bring

• Extensive knowledge of housing strategy, legislation, standards and the national housing policy context
• Experience of developing and delivering housing related strategies and/or policies, evidencing strong strategic planning, including communications and engagement
• Proven ability to establish strong partnerships and relationships, enable strong coproduction within shared programme activity and influence others.
• Experience of commissioning services, including market development, service redesign, procurement, contract management and performance monitoring
• Experience of financial management, including managing budgets, delivering value for money and securing external funding
• Experience of leading, motivating and developing individuals within a team or service and delivering change and/or improvement
• Ability to operate in a local authority governance environment, with strong political awareness and excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Holds (or is willing to work towards within the CCS transition period) an approved Level 4 housing management qualification (e.g., CIH Level 4 Diploma in Housing) to meet the Competence and Conduct Standard for Senior Housing Managers.

What's in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).