At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation projects to prevent homelessness and improve resident services.
- Company: Tower Hamlets Council, dedicated to enhancing community living in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on impactful change in a vibrant borough.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Organised, proactive, with project management experience and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 50175 - 53319 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Transformation Portfolio Manager to lead the Housing Options and Homelessness Division (HOH) transformation programme. Fixed Term Contract for 22 months.
Tower Hamlets is a diverse and vibrant borough in the heart of London. Tower Hamlets Council has big ambitions to improve the lives of the 332,000 residents that call our borough home. The Housing Options and Homelessness Division (HOH) aims to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping and secure suitable homes for residents with housing needs. We are responsible for homelessness prevention, rough sleeping, temporary accommodation (TA), housing options and advice, the housing register for social homes and a range of related support services. Last year, we supported nearly 2,500 residents who applied as homeless and currently house over 3,000 homeless households in temporary accommodation. But demand for our homelessness service and social housing register is rising, driving increasing pressure on the council’s finances. Without urgent change, these pressures will lead to significant risk to the council’s financial sustainability.
Tower Hamlets has embarked on an ambitious transformation programme for the Housing Option and Homelessness (HOH) division and we’re looking for people to help make this change happen. This transformation programme is moving the service from managing crisis to preventing homelessness, which will include redesigning how we work so residents get the right help when they need it. We are building a prevention focused, data driven and trauma informed service to improve outcomes for residents and build a more joined‑up and rewarding working environment. We have just finished Phase 1 of the programme and are looking to expand the team for Phase 2. Alongside a restructure we are redesigning services, improving the resident experience, strengthening the leadership and culture, using insights and data intelligence to support better monitoring and decision making and embed new ways of working across the service.
This role will support all aspects of the transformation programme. This could include organising and delivering Blitz days for things such as getting on top of members’ enquiries, supporting the Project Manager with training logistics or working with the Resident Experience lead on user research and resident voice. The role will also deliver a supporting role on the overall management of the transformation programme, including keeping RAID logs up to date, organising meetings and agendas and offering support where needed. For this role we are looking for a doer! Someone who is willing to get stuck in with a variety of jobs and being one step ahead on what needs to be done next.
Organised and proactive doer, who can help a complex transformation programme run smoothly and achieve project goals. Experience of project management and confident user of key programmes, including PowerPoint and Excel. Great at building relationships with a range of key stakeholders, from residents to senior leaders. Experience of Housing Options and Homelessness would be a real plus. Hybrid role; expectation to be in our Whitechapel office three days a week.
Competitive salary £50,175 – £53,319. Local Government Pension Scheme membership. Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas. Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance. Staff money‑saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Management Officer in London
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Management Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
