Do you want to lead the strategic direction of housing in Gateshead, shaping policies, services and investment that impact thousands of residents every day? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. These roles form part of a wider organisational redesign to ensure the Council is structured to deliver high-quality, efficient and sustainable services for the people of Gateshead. This supports our commitment to modernising how we operate, strengthening accountability and putting residents at the heart of everything we do, ensuring everyone in our borough can thrive. At Gateshead Council, we pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to housing and community wellbeing. We believe our employees are the driving force behind our Thrive agenda, and as a senior leader you will be instrumental in shaping the future vision of housing across the borough. You will join a leadership team that values collaboration, innovation and integrity. You'll have the freedom to influence policy, drive service transformation, and lead a wide range of housing services that directly improve the lives of our residents.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development, delivery and continuous review of the Council's Housing Strategy and supporting strategies, including homelessness, allocations and housing development.
- Provide overall leadership and assurance for statutory housing responsibilities, including homelessness prevention, assessment, temporary accommodation and housing support services.
- Provide strategic oversight of housing allocations, waiting list management, nominations and end-to-end voids performance and strategy.
- Lead tenancy, leaseholder and estate management services, including supported and older persons' housing across the HRA.
- Provide corporate leadership and assurance for housing-related anti-social behaviour services, ensuring alignment with safeguarding and community safety priorities.
- Provide strategic direction for caretaking and handyperson services, ensuring they support tenancy sustainment and neighbourhood standards.
- Lead refugee and asylum housing services, working with partners and government bodies to deliver compliant and effective support.
- Lead rent and service charge policy, income collection and debt recovery, maximising income and supporting HRA viability.
- Provide strategic oversight of housing customer contact services, ensuring a single, effective front door and excellent customer experience.
- Provide assurance on building safety and regulatory compliance and act as the Principal Accountable Person for housing safety.
- Lead the Council's housing development and investment programme, securing funding and delivering new homes and regeneration outcomes.
- Ensure a viable and sustainable Housing Revenue Account, including oversight of the 30-year HRA Business Plan and Asset Management Plan.
- Lead performance management, data insight and systems development to support evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Ensure strong tenant and partner engagement, with clear evidence of the tenant voice influencing decisions, policies and service delivery.
- Contribute to the strategic leadership of the wider Group and deputise for the Strategic Director where required.
- Provide senior professional advice and representation to elected Members, partners, regulators and government bodies, and support emergency response arrangements as required.
Qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of housing strategy, legislation, regulatory standards and Housing Revenue Account management.
- Significant senior leadership experience managing large, complex housing services and workforces.
- Proven ability to lead and integrate housing functions, including homelessness, allocations, tenancy management, development, anti‑social behaviour and building safety.
- Strong financial leadership, including HRA planning, efficiency delivery and securing external funding.
- Extensive experience of procurement, commissioning, contract management and service delivery at scale.
- Strong stakeholder and partnership working skills, including working with elected Members, regulators and government bodies.
- An approved Level 5 housing management qualification (or willingness to achieve within agreed timescales) and a degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience, with a commitment to ongoing professional development.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
