Responsive Repairs and Voids Manager in Winchester

This is a senior operational role with a direct impact on the quality, safety and reliability of the homes and services our residents receive. You will lead Winchester City Council’s responsive repairs, damp and mould and void property functions, helping to ensure residents receive safe, timely, fair and high-quality services. You will provide visible leadership to the Repairs and Voids team and take a leading client-side role in managing our Repairs and Voids contractor. Your focus will be on strong operational delivery, technical quality, value for money, resident experience and continuous improvement, while working closely with colleagues across Housing, Property Services and Asset's, and the wider Council.

It is a role where good leadership and sound judgement make a tangible difference: resolving service issues, improving contractor performance, returning empty homes to use efficiently, responding to damp and mould and other property risks, and ensuring our emergency arrangements are robust.

Please note: the successful applicant will need to undertake an appropriate DBS check and meet the travel requirements of the role, including holding a full UK driving licence.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced property or housing repairs professional who can combine technical knowledge with confident leadership, strong contractor management and a clear focus on residents. You will thrive in this role if you:

• have substantial experience of responsive repairs, voids, property maintenance, building surveying, construction or a closely related service;
• can lead and develop teams, set clear expectations and manage competing operational priorities;
• have experience working in collaboration with contractors or service providers to monitor and influence performance management, inspections, governance and commercial challenge;
• bring strong technical judgement and an understanding of housing property risks, including damp and mould, disrepair, Awaabs law and quality assurance;
• can use performance information, budgets and operational intelligence to identify issues and deliver measurable improvements;
• communicate clearly with residents, colleagues, senior managers and contractors, including when dealing with complex or sensitive cases;
• are comfortable making timely decisions, challenging poor performance and working collaboratively to achieve better outcomes.

About us

Working within Winchester City Council’s Property Services and Asset's team, you will join colleagues committed to providing safe, well-maintained homes and an excellent service to residents. We are focused on strengthening our repairs and voids service, developing our people and using effective contract management and performance information to deliver better outcomes. We value professional judgement, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

This role offers the opportunity to influence a high-profile frontline service, develop your leadership and contract-management experience, and make a visible difference to residents across the Winchester district.

We offer an excellent package of benefits including:

• A hybrid-working pattern, with up to 50% of your time working remotely after the first 3 weeks in the office
• Employer-paid health cash plan
• Salary sacrifice scheme for cars and bikes
• 27 days annual leave per year, rising to 35 days depending on length of service (+ bank holidays)
• 13 days additional flexi leave per year, subject to operational requirements
• Option to buy up to 5 days additional annual leave
• Free parking during work hours at any Winchester Park and Ride
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Discounts at a range of major high street brands and the two leisure centres in the district
• Season Ticket loans
• Excellent working environment
• Support for continuous professional development

If this sounds like the role for you, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role, responsibilities and requirements.

For an informal discussion please contact: Christopher Irons, Service Lead Property & Asset's | cirons@winchester.gov.uk

Our commitments

Winchester City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. Winchester City Council bases its employment practices on equal opportunity and opposes discrimination or unfair treatment. We are a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment and selection process.