Vacancy Summary
Employer: Waverley Borough Council
Salary: £80,749 - £87,180
Location: Surrey - with hybrid working
Contract: Contract
Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 09/11/2026 at 09:00
Reference: HCE/26/348123
Vacancy Description
External Advert
Head of Housing Strategy, Improvement and Data - Housing Services
Location: Waverley Borough Council (Godalming) & Guildford Borough Council | Full Time | Fixed Term Contract
Joint Pay Scale £80,749 - £87,180 - Fixed Term Contract until 31st March 2029
Strategic leadership with a community focus
Waverley Borough Council is looking for a forward-thinking leader to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of our borough and lead a dedicated team in delivering high-quality public services.
About the Role
This is an exciting and unique opportunity to join the newly established Housing Leadership Team and help shape the future of housing services across Guildford and Waverley Councils. We have established five Head of Service roles to strengthen collaboration, improve resident outcomes and provide specialist operational leadership during a period of significant change. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to influence strategic direction, lead significant service transformation and make a lasting difference to the lives of tenants, leaseholders and communities across both authorities.
The Head of Housing Strategy, Improvement and Data is responsible for providing assurance that Regulator of Social Housing Consumer Standards are met, leading housing strategy and policy development, managing performance and business intelligence, and driving continuous improvement across housing services. The role will ensure strategic decisions are informed by robust evidence, regulatory assurance, resident insight and a strong understanding of emerging housing challenges and opportunities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading housing strategy, improvement and data functions across both councils.
- Providing assurance that housing services meet legislative and regulatory requirements.
- Leading housing performance, business intelligence and resident insight programmes.
- Managing strategic planning, policy development and improvement initiatives.
- Supporting evidence-based decision making through robust analysis and assurance.
- Driving organisational learning and continuous improvement across housing services.
About You
- Extensive experience leading housing strategy, performance, improvement or regulatory functions.
- Strong understanding of housing regulation, consumer standards and assurance frameworks.
- Experience using data, performance information and resident insight to drive service improvement.
- Strong leadership, analytical and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent communication and report writing skills.
- A track record of leading organisational change, continuous improvement and evidence-based decision making.
What We Offer
- Hybrid and agile working policies
- Training and development opportunities including apprenticeships
- Generous annual leave and flexi time
- An employee assistance programme
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
Ready to join us?
For more information or to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact Annalisa Howson. annalisa.howson@waverley.gov.uk
The closing date for application is 9am on the 9th November and we anticipate interviews being held week commencing 16th November 2026.
Equality and Inclusion Statement
The district is home to many different people, and we want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences - we are a Disability Confident employer and appoint on merit. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility here - Working at Waverley Borough Council | Waverley Borough Council
We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving or ex-members of the armed forces and their partners. We offer an interview scheme for serving and ex-military forces members when they meet the essential criteria for the role. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility here - Working at Waverley Borough Council | Waverley Borough Council
Please note we do not accept applications after the stated closing time.
Right to work in the UK will be checked as part of the interview process.
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Head of Housing Strategy Improvement Data in Guildford employer: Waverley Borough Council
Waverley Borough Council is an exceptional employer that values the contributions of its team members in shaping a vibrant community. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model. Located in the picturesque town of Godalming, this role offers the unique opportunity to engage with the rich heritage of the borough, making a meaningful impact on the preservation of its historical assets.
