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- Tasks: Lead complex housing cases and mentor a supportive team to improve living standards.
- Company: Join Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, dedicated to making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on people's homes and lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing enforcement and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative environment with excellent support for your professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Make a real difference to people’s homes, health and lives. We know experienced private sector housing professionals are in demand. That’s why this role has been designed to offer variety, support and the chance to genuinely improve housing standards across the borough. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is looking for a Senior Private Sector Housing Officer to join a well‑established, supportive Housing team. You’ll lead complex work in the private rented sector while also mentoring officers, shaping service delivery and influencing real change for residents. If you enjoy solving problems, working with people, and seeing the impact of your work on the ground, this role offers challenge and purpose.
What you’ll be doing
This is a hands‑on senior role, balancing operational work with leadership and project delivery. You will:
- Lead on complex private sector housing cases, including disrepair, HMOs, overcrowding, empty homes, caravan sites and fire safety.
- Carry out inspections using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and take proportionate enforcement action including service of statutory notices, civil penalties and prosecutions.
- Provide practical, solution‑focused advice to landlords, tenants and managing agents.
- Line manage and support 2 Private Sector Housing Officers and 1 Tenancy Compliance Officer.
- Deliver and support housing assistance, including Disabled Facilities Grants and discretionary grants.
- Lead and contribute to projects that improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty and support low‑carbon homes.
You’ll have the freedom to use your professional judgement, supported by an experienced manager and a collaborative service.
What we’re looking for
We’re keen to hear from housing professionals who are confident, practical and people‑focused. You don’t need to tick every box on day one. If you have strong enforcement experience and the right approach, we’ll support your development. You will bring:
- Solid experience (around 3 years or more) in private sector housing enforcement or a similar regulatory role.
- Experience inspecting properties and managing cases through to resolution.
- A good working knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS.
- The confidence to make decisions, manage difficult conversations and apply enforcement proportionately.
- Strong communication, organisation and IT skills.
- Experience supporting, supervising or mentoring colleagues (or readiness to step into this responsibility).
Essential qualifications:
- A Levels (or equivalent).
- A relevant professional qualification in private sector housing, environmental health, building surveying, construction or similar.
- HHSRS certificates of competency for assessment & enforcement.
This post is subject to a satisfactory basic DBS check.
What we offer:
- Financial: An attractive basic salary within a clear pay structure.
- Holiday Entitlement: 26 days annual leave (increasing to 29 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service) plus three additional days in December and bank holidays.
- Pensions: Membership of the Local Government (CARE – Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme – Employer contribution of 19.7%.
- Free staff parking and an essential car user allowance of £1000 per annum (pro-rated for part time staff).
- Hybrid: The Council operates a hybrid working model with minimum 2 days working in the office.
- Access to HAPI an all‑in‑one benefits hub, giving you easy access to a wide range of employee perks, wellbeing support, discounts, and everyday savings.
- Personal Development: Invaluable training opportunities for continuing professional development.
- Employee Assistance Programme: The Council has partnered with Health Assured to provide staff with access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) to assist in balancing everyday life with the requirement of work and home.
Take a look at all the additional benefits that we offer.
Equal Opportunities
Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Safeguarding
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Senior Private Sector Housing Officer employer: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Private Sector Housing Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects and successes in private sector housing. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in areas like enforcement and mentoring.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in working with us at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Private Sector Housing Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in private sector housing enforcement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Since this role involves tackling complex housing issues, it’s essential to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. Share specific examples of challenges you've faced and how you resolved them – we love a good success story!
Highlight Leadership Experience: If you’ve mentored or supervised others, make sure to mention it! We’re looking for someone who can lead and support a team, so any experience in guiding colleagues will definitely catch our eye.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housing legislation, especially the Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the complexities involved in private sector housing.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex housing cases in the past. Whether it's dealing with disrepair or overcrowding, having specific instances ready to share will demonstrate your practical experience and ability to make a real difference.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Since this role involves mentoring other officers, think about times when you've supported or supervised colleagues. Highlight your leadership style and how you can contribute to shaping service delivery within the team.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and how the council measures success in improving housing standards. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.