Contracts Negotiator (Homelessness/Housing) in London

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Contracts Negotiator for our client, a local government organisation based in Kensington, London.

The successful post holder will support the Temporary Accommodation and Resettlement service, with a strong focus on the procurement and management of accommodation within the Private Rented Sector. The role will involve negotiating with landlords and agents, managing contracts and providers, and ensuring a suitable supply of accommodation that delivers quality and value for money.

This is a temporary contract for an initial 3-6 months, with the possibility of extension. Hybrid working is available, with 3 days per week in the office.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Procure and manage temporary accommodation, direct lets and private rented sector properties.
• Negotiate with private landlords, letting agents and accommodation providers to secure suitable properties and favourable terms.
• Support the tendering, evaluation and management of accommodation contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and financial requirements.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with landlords, agents, housing providers and other stakeholders.
• Inspect properties to assess suitability, investigate disrepair and ensure appropriate property standards are maintained.
• Monitor accommodation contracts, service level agreements and provider performance, addressing under-performance and service issues.
• Analyse demand, supply, performance and financial information to support commissioning decisions and ensure value for money.
• Support effective move-on from emergency accommodation and help minimise high-cost placements.
• Manage accommodation-related issues, including liaising and negotiating with landlords and tenants to resolve problems and sustain tenancies.
• Support accommodation projects, property management activities, tenancy audits and new contract development.
• Maintain accurate records and produce performance, financial and other reports as required.
• Keep up to date with legislation and policy relating to temporary accommodation, the Private Rented Sector and housing benefit.

Personal Requirements:

• Experience of working within a social or private sector housing environment or a related field.
• Good understanding of the Private Rented Sector and accommodation acquisition, including housing standards, health and safety, security of tenure and housing benefit.
• Experience of procurement and contract management, including addressing under-performance.
• Experience of working with private landlords, letting agents and accommodation providers.
• Strong negotiation, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage a varied and demanding workload with limited supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess issues and identify appropriate solutions.
• Ability to produce clear, accurate reports, correspondence and procedures using plain English.
• Good understanding of equalities and the diverse needs of customers.
• GCSE Grade C or above in English and Maths, or equivalent.
• Property inspection qualification under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System would be desirable, or willingness to obtain.

Working Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Pay: £27.36 per hour

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.