At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead housing strategy and policy work to improve services and outcomes for Sheffield residents.
- Company: Sheffield City Council, a major social landlord making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, flexible working options, and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment focused on equality, diversity, and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape housing priorities and make impactful decisions that benefit the city and its residents.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing strategy, policy, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48738 - 53051 £ per year.
Sheffield City Council is one of the UK's largest social landlords, responsible for nearly 40,000 council homes and delivering services that make a real difference to tenants and residents across the city. As part of our Housing transformation, we are strengthening how strategy, policy and evidence support decisions and improve services. We are seeking an experienced Senior Housing Strategy and Policy Officer to lead complex work across Housing.
About the Role
Reporting to the Housing Strategy & Policy Manager, you will manage the development and delivery of housing strategy, policy and housing market analysis, ensuring statutory duties are met and decisions are informed by robust evidence. You will lead complex strategy, policy, consultation and research activity, provide professional advice and prepare clear reports and recommendations for senior officers, elected members, boards and decision-making forums. You will also oversee Housing Strategy and Policy Officers, support partnership working and deputise for the Service Manager when required.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading housing strategy and policy work aligned with legislation, regulation and corporate priorities.
- Supporting delivery of statutory housing duties through internal, commissioned and collaborative activity.
- Managing housing intelligence, research, data and market analysis to inform planning, investment and service priorities.
- Leading consultation and engagement with residents, stakeholders, partners and service teams.
- Preparing reports, briefings, recommendations and governance papers for senior officers, elected members and boards.
- Ensuring effective governance, assurance, risk management and consideration of equality duties.
- Providing professional advice and constructive challenge on strategy, policy and regulatory matters.
- Leading work programmes, developing staff capability and quality-assuring high-quality outputs.
Who We're Looking For
We are looking for an experienced housing strategy and policy professional who can demonstrate:
- Detailed knowledge of housing strategy, housing policy and the legislative, regulatory and statutory environment affecting local authorities and social landlords.
- Significant experience of leading strategy, policy, consultation, research or service-improvement work in housing, local government or a related public service.
- Experience of interpreting legislation and guidance and translating evidence, data and intelligence into practical policy solutions.
- Experience of housing intelligence, research, benchmarking or housing market analysis to support strategic decisions.
- Strong written, verbal, presentation and influencing skills, including producing high-quality reports and governance papers.
- Experience of leading consultation, building effective partnerships and working with senior colleagues, elected members and external stakeholders.
- Experience of line management, supervision, coaching or quality assurance, with the ability to manage competing priorities and multiple workstreams.
- A degree or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience relevant to housing strategy, policy, research, planning, regeneration or a related discipline.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to shape housing priorities across Sheffield and ensure services respond to evidence, statutory requirements and resident needs. Your work will support stronger decisions, effective partnerships and improved outcomes for the city.
We are investing in our workforce and are promoting opportunities to our under-represented groups. We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are focused on increasing the diversity of our workforce, particularly the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled and LGBTQ+ people, so that our teams reflect the communities in the city we serve. We are also supporting staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to work flexibly.
It is a great time to join us and we welcome your application.
Under the Guaranteed Interview scheme, applicants who are disabled, care leavers, or armed forces veterans will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria and indicate their eligibility on the application form.
Full-time employees work 37 hours for 52 weeks of the year and we offer a generous holiday entitlement. We are open to discussions about a wide range of flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the Council, including reduced hour contracts, working part time or as a job share.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone and where appropriate to the role the successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.
Senior Strategy and Policy Officer in London employer: Sheffield City Council
Join us in Sheffield, a vibrant city dedicated to fostering inclusion and support for every child and young person. As an Assistant Manager, you will be part of a compassionate team that values diversity and offers flexible working arrangements, generous holiday entitlements, and opportunities for professional growth. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in our communities and ensure that every child feels valued and empowered to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Strategy and Policy Officer in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Sheffield City Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Sheffield City Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Strategy and Policy Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Sheffield City Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheffield City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Sheffield City Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Sheffield City Council.
