At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse teams to enhance customer services and community engagement.
- Company: Join Southway Housing Trust, a forward-thinking housing association in Greater Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while working in a supportive, values-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in customer service leadership and tenancy management is essential.
- Other info: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; apply early to secure your chance!
Location: Hybrid and Didsbury, Manchester
Salary: up to 81,000.00
Full time / 35 hours per week
Permanent
About Us
Southway Housing Trust is a committed and forward-thinking community focused housing association dedicated to providing excellent homes and outstanding customer care. With a vision of Thriving Communities, Southway manages over 6,500 homes across Greater Manchester. Southway strives to reduce child poverty, loneliness and isolation and increase employment, social connectedness, and pride in neighbourhoods. Our REACH values of Respect, Equity, Ambition, Compassion and Honesty reflect Southway's culture, how we deliver our services, and our relationships with customers, colleagues, and partners. Southway values diversity in all aspects of its communities and operations.
The Role
An exciting opportunity is available at Southway Housing Trust to become the Assistant Director Customers and Communities. The new post holder will head up a wide range of services for customers including:
- Housing Management
- Income Collection and Advice
- Tenancy Support and Community Safety
- Complaints Management
- Customer Hub Contact Centre and Customer Access
- Community Investment and Customer Involvement
- Environment team
You will be a member of the Senior Leadership team motivating and inspiring colleagues to do the basics brilliantly, live and breathe the Southway values and ensure the customer voice is heard and influences service delivery and service decisions. You will also ensure that requirements through the Regulator of Social Housing Consumer Standards are met and oversee Tenant Satisfaction Measures.
Candidates
This is an exciting time to join Southway following the recent launch of our new 5-year Corporate Plan and Customer Voice Strategy. We are looking for someone with significant previous experience leading a diverse group of teams to deliver excellent customer services with a strong background in tenancy management. If you are community and customer focussed and can inspire others to achieve excellent results, then we want to hear from you.
Closing Date: Monday 2 June 2025
Interview Date: Friday 13 June 2025
If you want to know more about the role please contact Jane Gant, Executive Director of Homes and Communities for an initial chat. Applications are being reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be arranged for successful candidates in date order. Southway reserves the right to remove the job advert once vacant positions have been recruited, please do not wait until the closing date to apply. Strictly no agencies.
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from suitably skilled people from all sectors of the community. All applicants who have a disability or from an ethnic minority background or ex armed forces that meet the minimum essential criteria for the post will be invited to interview. If you have a disability or are ex armed forces, please tell us about this on your application form. Please let us know about any special arrangements you would like us to make if you are invited in for an interview.
Assistant Director Customers and Communities employer: Southway Housing Trust
Contact Detail:
Southway Housing Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director Customers and Communities
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Southway Housing Trust's REACH values: Respect, Equity, Ambition, Compassion, and Honesty. During your interactions, whether in networking or interviews, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs to show you're a great cultural fit.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the current challenges and opportunities within the housing sector, particularly in Greater Manchester. Being knowledgeable about local issues will help you engage in meaningful conversations and showcase your commitment to community-focused solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former employees of Southway Housing Trust on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that highlight your leadership skills and ability to inspire teams. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed diverse groups and improved customer service outcomes in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director Customers and Communities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Director Customers and Communities position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in housing management and customer service.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your previous leadership roles and any experience you have in managing diverse teams. Showcase specific examples where you have delivered excellent customer services and contributed to community-focused initiatives.
Align with Values: Southway Housing Trust values Respect, Equity, Ambition, Compassion, and Honesty. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by providing examples of how you embody them in your professional life.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a senior leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southway Housing Trust
✨Understand the REACH Values
Familiarise yourself with Southway's REACH values: Respect, Equity, Ambition, Compassion, and Honesty. Be prepared to discuss how these values resonate with your own experiences and how you can embody them in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous experience in leading diverse teams, particularly in customer service and tenancy management. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've motivated and inspired colleagues to achieve excellent results.
✨Emphasise Community Focus
Since the role is centred around community and customer focus, be ready to share your thoughts on community engagement strategies. Discuss any past initiatives you've led that aimed to reduce issues like child poverty or social isolation.
✨Prepare for Regulatory Standards
Brush up on the Regulator of Social Housing Consumer Standards and Tenant Satisfaction Measures. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and improve customer satisfaction in your role.