At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams to secure affordable temporary housing for homeless families.
- Company: Join Richmond & Wandsworth Councils, committed to inclusivity and community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on homelessness while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Dynamic manager with experience in housing procurement and team leadership required.
- Other info: We promote equality and are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
The predicted salary is between 45500 - 62000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Salary Range: £55,399-£69,947 per annum
Type: Permanent - Fulltime (36 hours)
Location: Putney Bridge Housing department, Wandsworth. Other essential information: Wandsworth mainly but also Twickenham Civic Centre
Objective of Role: To lead 3 teams of housing procurement and temporary accommodation officers to procure a supply of cost-effective temporary accommodation and private sector properties for homeless families to meet both Councils' statutory duties.
About the Role: The role involves developing and managing competitively priced temporary and settled accommodation across various schemes provided by private landlords. Responsibilities include leading high-performing teams to ensure prompt allocation of temporary housing per legislation and Homelessness Code of Guidance. The lead will also develop strategies for long-term competitive accommodation, work with landlords to secure cost-effective supply, and promote Council schemes to attract new landlords. Additional duties include serving as the housing lead for MARAC, drafting reports for committee meetings, and handling enquiries and complaints from Councillors, the Local Government Ombudsman, and requests under s202 of the Housing Act (as amended).
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Dynamic and innovative manager with experience leading diverse teams of temporary accommodation and procurement officers.
- Ability to negotiate and communicate effectively to procure temporary accommodation, private sector properties, and cost-effective large-scale leasing schemes.
- Experience in identifying and implementing service changes to meet targets within deadlines.
- Collaborate with key agencies to develop partnerships aimed at reducing temporary accommodation numbers and homelessness expenditure.
- Comprehensive knowledge of homelessness legislation related to the allocation of suitable temporary accommodation and private sector properties to fulfil the Councils' statutory duties.
- Ability to develop and implement a strategy to ensure that third-party accommodation providers deliver good quality units and services to families placed by the Councils.
Indicative Recruitment Timeline:
- Closing Date: Sunday 06 April 2025
- Shortlisting Date: Week beginning 14th April 2025
- Interview Dates: TBC
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Useful Information: 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.
Temporary Accommodation and Procurement Manager employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
Contact Detail:
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary Accommodation and Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest homelessness legislation and the Homelessness Code of Guidance. Understanding these regulations will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to fulfilling the Councils' statutory duties.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing sector, especially those involved in temporary accommodation and procurement. Attend relevant events or join online forums to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading diverse teams and implementing service changes. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated with landlords or improved procurement processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Richmond and Wandsworth Councils' current initiatives and challenges in housing. Tailoring your conversation during interviews to reflect your understanding of their goals will show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Temporary Accommodation and Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Temporary Accommodation and Procurement Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in managing teams, negotiating with landlords, and understanding homelessness legislation. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for improving housing solutions for homeless families. Make sure to address how you can contribute to the Councils' objectives.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities and objectives of the Temporary Accommodation and Procurement Manager role. Familiarise yourself with homelessness legislation and the specific duties outlined in the job description to demonstrate your knowledge and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading diverse teams, be ready to discuss your previous management experiences. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to motivate teams, implement service changes, and achieve targets within deadlines. This will show your potential employer that you can lead effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life situations. Think of scenarios where you've successfully negotiated with landlords or resolved complaints. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusivity
Given the emphasis on equality and diversity in the job description, be prepared to discuss how you would promote an inclusive environment within your teams. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to these values, as it aligns with the Councils' mission.