At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape repairs and voids services for over 15,500 council homes.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, committed to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent position, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team during a time of significant change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on residents' lives while driving continuous improvement in services.
- Qualifications: Strong technical knowledge and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 78854 - 88132 £ per year.
This is a really fantastic opportunity to join Building Services as our Head of Building Repairs and really make a difference! The role is full-time (37 hours per week), permanent, based in Portsmouth and at the salary of 78,854 - 88,132 p.a.
The role sits within Building Services in the Housing, Neighbourhoods and Building Services Directorate and provides an exciting opportunity to lead and shape our repairs and voids services. Building Services is responsible for the repair, maintenance and statutory compliance of a diverse property portfolio, including more than 15,500 council homes, around 1,800 leasehold properties and nearly 900 corporate assets across Portsmouth and the surrounding area.
This is an important time to join Portsmouth Homes. Following our Regulatory Judgement in January 2025, alongside the introduction of new regulatory and legislative requirements including Awaab's Law, we have undergone significant change to strengthen our services and ensure residents receive safe, high-quality and responsive services. Our wider Portsmouth Homes - Buildings Project 2030 brings together a range of workstreams designed to strengthen regulatory compliance, deliver major investment and prepare our services for future requirements.
As Head of Building Repairs, you will have strategic responsibility for responsive repairs, maintenance and void property refurbishment, including the delivery of approximately 900 void refurbishments each year. You will also lead our response to Awaab's Law and repairs associated with Category 1 and Category 2 HHSRS hazards, ensuring services are safe, efficient and delivered within required timescales. A key part of the role will be driving continuous improvement and ensuring that resident experience is at the heart of the service.
You will use performance information, resident insight and learning from complaints to improve outcomes, strengthen accountability and ensure that our services and contractors consistently deliver the standards residents should expect. The role also carries significant commercial and financial responsibility. You will oversee repairs and maintenance budgets of approximately 50 million per annum and lead mobilisation and performance management of major maintenance contracts.
We are therefore looking for someone who can combine strong technical and operational knowledge with effective commercial leadership, using collaborative contract management and robust performance information to deliver quality and value for money. You will report to the Assistant Director of Buildings and be a key member of the senior management team, working collaboratively with other Heads of Service and colleagues across the wider Directorate.
You will build strong relationships with residents, elected Members, contractors, regulators and other stakeholders, representing Portsmouth Homes at both internal and external forums. This is a demanding but rewarding opportunity to lead a high-profile frontline service at a time of considerable change. We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking leader who can develop our people, manage change effectively and translate increasing regulatory expectations into consistently high-quality services and positive outcomes for residents.
For full details of what the role will involve and the person we are looking for please see the job pack attached at the bottom of this page!
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jasmine Vaughan on or to arrange a convenient time for a call.
Assessment day: 3rd December 2026
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had.
If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful. We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Salary Band 15 - 78,854 - 88,132 p.a. Frequency Annual
Job Reference pcc/TP/723/1939 Contract Type Permanent Closing Date 20 November, 2026 Job Category Senior Management Directorate Housing, Neighbourhood & Building Services Location Portsmouth, United Kingdom Posted on 2 November, 2026
Head of Building Repairs in Cornholme employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive work culture that prioritises respect, integrity, and collaboration. As a SEN Team Leader, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with special educational needs, while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a supportive team environment. Located in the vibrant city of Portsmouth, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to strategic SEND developments and be part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to service improvement and community well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Building Repairs in Cornholme
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Portsmouth City Council, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Building Repairs at Portsmouth City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Building Repairs in Cornholme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
