Principal Private Sector Housing Officer
Location: West London
Contract: 10-month ongoing assignment
Rate: £55 per hour (Umbrella)
Hours: 36 hours per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid - 2-3 days per week in the office and conducting property visits, remainder remote
The Role
An opportunity has arisen within a large West London local authority for an experienced Principal Private Sector Housing Officer to oversee the delivery of statutory private sector housing functions, with responsibility for Disrepair and HMO services.
This is a senior operational role, leading a team to deliver a high-quality, responsive service focused on improving housing standards in the private rented sector and ensuring robust, lawful enforcement.
Key Responsibilities
Provide operational leadership for private sector housing services covering disrepair and/or HMOs
Line manage and support a team of officers, overseeing workloads, performance and professional development
Ensure enforcement activity is compliant with housing legislation, statutory guidance and local enforcement policies
Authorise and supervise formal enforcement action including improvement notices, civil penalties, cautions and prosecutions
Oversee the investigation of disrepair complaints and ensure appropriate compliance and enforcement outcomes
Supervise the granting, variation and enforcement of property and HMO licences, ensuring all legal provisions and licence conditions are met
Act as a witness in court, tribunal and prosecution proceedings when required
Maintain the integrity, security and evidential quality of case files
Drive service efficiency, consistency and transparency in line with published enforcement policies
Promote excellent customer service standards and collaborative working with internal and external partnersEssential Requirements
Significant experience in a local authority, council or housing association setting only
Extensive knowledge of private sector housing legislation, including Housing Act 2004 and HMO licensing
Proven experience leading enforcement activity within private sector housing
Demonstrable team management or senior supervisory experience
Experience acting as a witness in court or tribunal proceedings
Strong report writing, decision-making and stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to undertake site visits and inspections across the borough
Relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent operational experienceDesirable
Postgraduate or specialist qualification in housing, environmental health or a related field
Formal investigation or enforcement training (e.g. PACE/RIPA)Why Apply?
This is a high-impact senior role offering competitive pay, hybrid working and the opportunity to lead meaningful improvements in private sector housing standards within a large metropolitan authority.
Linsco is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy