At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of 80 to enhance neighbourhood and tenancy services.
- Company: Brent Council, committed to improving housing services for diverse communities.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the future of housing in a vibrant borough.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and grow into broader leadership roles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on residents' lives and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 78000 £ per year.
Brent Council is looking for a Head of Neighbourhoods, a significant role with responsibility for a wide portfolio. The scale is substantial. You will lead around 80 employees, including up to six Service Managers, oversee a major operational budget and take responsibility for approximately £75 million of income collection. You will also play a central role within the wider Housing Services leadership team, helping to shape priorities and strengthen performance across the department.
Brent is at an important point in its housing journey. There is a clear improvement agenda, high expectations, and real scope for an experienced leader to make an impact quickly. The successful candidate will bring grip, pace, and clarity, while giving teams the confidence and direction to deliver consistently for residents. This is a role for someone who creates momentum. You will need to see what needs to happen and keep progress moving. Brent is a large and complex council, where ideas are tested through governance, competing priorities, and a wide range of professional and political perspectives. Progress will often depend on your ability to influence and bring people with you. You will combine persistence with judgement, and challenge with the ability to build trust.
Your priorities will include:
- strengthening the quality and consistency of neighbourhood and tenancy services
- improving rent and service charge collection
- supporting sustainable tenancies and vulnerable residents
- improving the response to anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse
- strengthening resident engagement and ensuring insight leads to action
- improving performance, assurance and regulatory compliance
- building capability, confidence and accountability across the service
- making effective use of constrained resources
This is also a visible role. You will spend time in Brent’s neighbourhoods, listening to residents and understanding how services are experienced on the ground. You will connect senior leadership with frontline delivery and ensure that commitments lead to action. You will work closely with the Director of Housing Services, elected members, senior colleagues, and partners. You will need to explain complex issues clearly, offer balanced advice and remain confident when challenged. Strong political awareness, sound judgement, and the ability to build credibility quickly will be essential.
Brent is particularly interested in leaders who can demonstrate:
- substantial experience across housing management or neighbourhood services
- a strong record of improving operational performance and culture
- experience of leading through scrutiny, regulation or significant service challenge
- confidence managing budgets, income, risk and large teams
- credibility with residents, employees, members and senior stakeholders
- resilience, pace and a high level of personal ownership
- the ambition and potential to contribute at a broader leadership level over time
You should hold, or be willing to work towards, the required Chartered Institute of Housing Level 5 qualification. This appointment also forms part of Brent’s longer-term leadership planning. The council wants to attract someone who can make an immediate impact in the Head of Neighbourhoods role and develop into wider leadership responsibilities over the coming years.
For an ambitious housing leader, this is a rare opportunity to take on a substantial service, shape its future direction, and leave a visible mark on the experience of residents across one of London’s most diverse boroughs.
Closing date for applications: Midnight on Sunday 30th August.
Head of Neighbourhoods in London employer: TILE HILL
Rochdale Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative housing initiatives in a vibrant and evolving community. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to make a tangible impact on residents' lives, this role is perfect for those looking to drive meaningful change. The council's ambitious growth plans and focus on regeneration create an inspiring environment for professionals eager to shape the future of housing in Rochdale.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Neighbourhoods 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 TILE HILL, 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 TILE HILL and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Neighbourhoods 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 TILE HILL 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 TILE HILL
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with TILE HILL, 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 TILE HILL.
