At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of landlord services and enhance housing quality across Southampton.
- Company: Join Southampton City Council, dedicated to creating a fairer and greener city.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, flexible working, and excellent pension contributions.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while shaping the future of housing.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in housing management or community services.
The predicted salary is between 57755 - 65222 £ per year.
Southampton City Council is seeking an outstanding individual to join us as the Service Lead Neighbourhoods, People and Partnerships to play a pivotal role in transforming landlord services and delivering high‑quality, customer‑focused housing across the city. This role sits at the heart of a major programme of improvement, where strong leadership is required to stabilise performance, rebuild trust, and embed a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
Housing sits central to Southampton’s long‑term vision of becoming a more equal, healthier, safer, greener and growing city. The Council’s Housing Strategy 2026–2031 reinforces this ambition, setting a clear direction to ensure all residents have access to safe, affordable, sustainable homes while strengthening communities and reducing inequalities. Within this context, landlord services are a critical enabler, directly impacting residents’ wellbeing, independence, and life chances.
The Service Lead Neighbourhoods, People and Partnership will introduce a new commissioning model, being evidence‑led and partnership based. The Service Lead will ensure housing management, neighbourhood services and customer engagement operate cohesively to deliver consistent, high‑quality outcomes for tenants and leaseholders. This post will report directly to the Head of Housing Management and Neighbourhoods.
Working collaboratively across the Housing Directorate, tenants and leaseholders, the wider Council and our external partners, the Service Lead role is not only about delivering today’s services, but they are also about shaping the future of housing in Southampton. This includes tackling complex challenges such as housing demand, affordability pressures, regulatory compliance, and service transformation, while ensuring that the tenant voice, data insight and partnership working are at the centre of decision‑making.
What we can offer you:
- Salary: The salary band for this role is £57,755 - £65,222. The starting salary is £57,755 with annual progression through the salary bands.
- Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution.
- Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution).
- Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service.
- Flexible working options (role‑dependent).
- Family‑friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents.
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring.
- Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks.
- Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform.
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres.
- Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans.
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer.
For further information on our benefits package please visit: Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)
Interviews: Interviews for this post are likely to take place on or around 19-21 August 2026.
Contact details for informal discussion: For an informal chat about the roles, please contact Jacqui Evans – Head of Housing Management and Neighbourhoods via email to arrange a Teams call, Jacqui.evans@southampton.gov.uk.
Recruitment contact details: Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk Tel: 023 8083 4033
For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council.
Service Lead Neighbourhoods, People and Partnerships in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Join our vibrant partnership of six schools in Southampton and the New Forest, where we prioritise a rich learning experience for every child. As a Classroom Play Assistant, you will be part of a collaborative and supportive team dedicated to nurturing confident learners and responsible citizens. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to safeguarding, we offer a fulfilling work culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Lead Neighbourhoods, People and Partnerships in Southampton
✨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 Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Service Lead Neighbourhoods, People and Partnerships in Southampton
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 Southampton 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 Southampton City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Southampton 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 Southampton City Council.
