Deputy Head of Housing

Play a leading role in Surrey’s biggest housing transformation. You’ll lead major workstreams, coach managers and deputise for the Head of Housing during a fast‑moving improvement programme. Tandridge District Council is at a pivotal moment. Following the Regulator of Social Housing C4 judgement in September 2025, we began a well‑resourced, ambitious and fast‑moving improvement programme. We have strengthened leadership; this role is part of that effort, commissioning full compliance reviews, completing stock condition surveys, increasing tenant engagement and investing in systems, training, and modernisation to put things right. Alongside this, government has approved Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Tandridge will become part of the new East Surrey unitary authority in April 2027. As the only stock‑holding council in East Surrey, our Housing Service will sit at the heart of shaping how social housing is delivered across the new council. You will join at exactly the right time to influence future strategy, structures, culture and service design. If you want a role where your leadership will shape the future of social housing for thousands of residents, we would love to hear from you.

As our Deputy Head of Housing, you will play a central leadership role in:

• Delivering a modern, compliant, high‑performing landlord service across housing management, allocations, repairs, property compliance, housing needs and business support.
• Driving improvement and embedding Consumer Standards, safety, transparency, accountability and resident influence in everything we do.
• Leading and developing resilient, engaged, high‑performing teams, coaching managers and building a positive culture during a period of rapid improvement and change.
• Strengthening performance management, data quality, KPIs and assurance, ensuring we are always inspection‑ready.
• Representing the Housing service confidently across the Council, partners, councillors and resident forums.
• Deputising for the Head of Housing and contributing actively to the Council’s Extended Management Team and LGR transition.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Deep experience in social housing and a strong grasp of the Consumer Standards and regulatory expectations.
• A track record of service improvement, transformation and modernisation.
• Excellent people leadership and coaching skills.
• Strong judgement, resilience and political awareness.
• The ability to drive performance through insight, data, and resident voice.
• Commitment to doing the right thing for tenants, every time.

If you thrive where you can make a visible difference, lead through challenge and build something better for the long term, this role offers genuine influence and impact.

When you join us, your expertise, skills and experience will be valued, and your career development will be our priority. We are committed to creating a collaborative and innovative environment which empowers you to thrive. You will be part of a friendly, supportive One Team culture with the chance to make a real difference. We use Viva Engage to keep you connected and engaged and hold regular face‑to‑face meetings, such as Chief Executive briefings, to keep you in the loop. We are conveniently located close to Oxted Station and have some on‑site parking. In addition to the stated pay, we offer membership and contributions towards the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working (the opportunity to work from home up to three days a week), flexi‑time, payment of a relevant professional subscription and access to a discounted health scheme.

At Tandridge District Council, we pride ourselves on maintaining an inclusive workplace, ensuring equality, fairness and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do, and good practice is embedded in the Council’s culture and services. We welcome applications from all sectors of our community, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and all groups protected under the Equality Act. Tandridge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Join us at the most significant moment in Tandridge’s housing history and help shape the future of East Surrey’s future Housing Service. If this sounds like your kind of challenge and you want to be part of our friendly and supportive team, we would love to hear from you. If you would like to find out more, please read our role profile and specification, or for an informal discussion about the role, please e‑mail Taryn Pearson‑Rose.

The government is reorganising local councils in Surrey. The current two‑tier system will be replaced by two new unitary councils – East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council. East Surrey Council will cover Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge District, managing all local services, including housing, planning, waste, education, roads and social care. Although this may lead to some uncertainty for anyone considering a role with us, we need to continue to provide services. When the new councils are created in April 2027, most staff will transfer to the new council on their current terms and conditions. Being part of a larger organisation may offer additional opportunities for career development and variety. The majority of the roles we currently have will still be needed whether that is for planning, housing, recycling and waste, finance, IT, HR etc.