Deputy Procurement Manager in City of Westminster

Can you see yourself playing a key role in guiding a dedicated team that helps households at risk of homelessness to secure safe, suitable homes in the private rented sector across Richmond and Wandsworth? If so, this is a unique opportunity to be part of a ground‑breaking shared staffing service with a collaborative approach between two boroughs that is setting a new standard in housing solutions.

You’ll be at the heart of a service designed to reduce homelessness and improve housing stability. Your focus will be on ensuring the placement of people into cost‑effective private sector accommodation but more than that, you’ll ensure those tenancies are sustained long term. By delivering on this, you’ll help both councils meet their statutory homelessness duties, while directly improving the lives of our residents.

You’ll manage a front‑line, people‑focused team who engage & empower residents at risk of homelessness to access affordable, high‑quality private sector accommodation. You’ll play a key part in ensuring the prevention of homelessness across both boroughs and ensuring residents are supported to sustain their tenancies over the long term.

We’re looking for a driven, collaborative and self‑motivated manager with a proven track record in leading high‑performing teams in a fast‑paced, front‑line service. You’ll need excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of homelessness legislation and the private rented sector, and the ability to manage performance while building strong relationships with partners. If you’re ready to take on a role where your leadership directly improves lives, we want to hear from you.

• A working knowledge of complex legislation applicable to the post (homeless legislation, welfare reform & landlord & tenant legislation)
• Understanding of suitability of accommodation and ending homeless duty of discharge under Section 193(5) – Housing Act 1996 Part VII
• Good practice around landlord and tenant legislation including Housing Health and Safety Rating System
• Proven excellent communication and mediation skills in dealing with landlords and applicants, particularly those who may have disabilities or are vulnerable
• A working knowledge of the private sector lettings market within a local authority setting
• The ability to apply working knowledge of complex legislation applicable to the role, including homeless legislation, case law, welfare benefits, relevant codes and landlord & tenant law

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and, as such, appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.