INTERNAL ONLY VACANCY. This post is open to existing Leeds City Council employees only. Applications will not be considered from external candidates.
Job title: Policy Officer (Housing)
Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent
Location: Merrion House as team base, along with other locations across the city and some flexibility around homeworking
As a Policy Officer (Housing), you will play a key role in supporting citywide, regional, and national housing policy work, as well as the service's ongoing regulatory compliance.
This is a great opportunity to join a forward-thinking and motivated team, working across services and with a variety of internal and external stakeholders on Housing Risk & Regulation.
You will be at the forefront of our work on utilising M365 products to improve policy management and regulatory compliance evidence collection.
The successful candidate will be dedicated, enthusiastic, and able to quickly learn about new areas. Excellent communication and organisational skills, along with a commitment to high standards, are essential for effective stakeholder engagement.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We aim to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our values and ambitions.
About you
As our next Policy Officer (Housing), you will bring:
* Significant experience and understanding of the current operating context for local government.
* The ability to work independently, making effective decisions and judgments.
* A confident, well-organized approach, with a flexible, can-do attitude, and strong team spirit.
* Ability to analyse requirements, recommend, and implement creative and innovative solutions.
* Excellent presentation skills, able to communicate clearly and influence decision-making.
* Capability to manage competing priorities across multiple projects and adapt to changing circumstances.
About the role
This wide-ranging role supports senior officers in achieving regulatory compliance and delivering the Council's strategic housing priorities within a cross-council policy framework.
The post holder will develop good relationships with internal and external colleagues, serving as a key contact for citywide, regional, and national housing policy projects on behalf of senior officers. They will have broad knowledge and the ability to quickly learn new policy areas.
What we offer you
We pride ourselves on providing an excellent employee experience, including:
* A competitive salary and annual leave plus statutory holidays.
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, subject to service needs.
* Clear career progression and professional development opportunities.
* A range of staff benefits to support wellbeing and financial wellbeing.
How to apply
Complete the online application form. Please review our guidance and ensure all sections are fully completed before submission. For informal inquiries, contact Ian Strickland at ian.strickland@leeds.gov.uk.
We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and cultures, encouraging applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled, and care-experienced individuals.
This role is based in the UK. Candidates must demonstrate their right to work in the UK prior to employment, via UK or Irish citizenship, EU Settlement Scheme, or relevant visa.
If you lack UK work rights, consider your eligibility for sponsorship through the Skilled Worker visa route, which requires a minimum salary of GBP 38,700 per year or other criteria. Ensure eligibility before applying.
Job Description
Job purpose
This role supports senior officers in achieving regulatory compliance and delivering strategic housing priorities, within a cross-council policy context.
The post holder will develop relationships and serve as a key contact for housing policy projects at citywide, regional, and national levels, with broad knowledge and quick learning ability.
Responsibilities
Policy support
* Coordinate strategic housing policy work with colleagues and partner agencies.
* Facilitate connections between the Council and government departments or national organizations to influence policy and share best practice.
* Represent Leeds at national housing events and initiatives.
* Support the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's housing work program.
* Lead and support key activities and projects as directed by senior officers.
* Review and coordinate the Housing Strategy and related sub-strategies.
* Assist in delivering the Housing Strategy, including report preparation.
* Support collaboration within the Strategic Housing Partnership.
* Monitor the delivery of housing priorities and targets.
* Ensure projects are managed rigorously with clear evidence of progress.
* Coordinate governance processes for housing services, including monitoring actions from various oversight bodies.
* Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory housing requirements.
* Develop and monitor the housing service plan.
Additional duties
* Work closely with the Housing SMT, ensuring effective management and accountability.
* Support team development and deputize for senior officers as needed.
* Maintain confidentiality and sensitivity in handling data.
* Adhere to all relevant policies, procedures, and health and safety standards.
Essential requirements
Candidates must demonstrate the following criteria; only those meeting all will be shortlisted:
* Ability to work flexibly at pace with a demanding workload.
* Effective communication and message dissemination on behalf of senior leaders.
* Ability to analyze, recommend, and implement innovative solutions.
* Manage multiple priorities and adapt to change.
* Research and manage data from various sources for decision-making.
* Present information clearly to influence decisions.
* Lead projects and meetings confidently.
* Work independently, making sound judgments.
* Build effective relationships with elected members, partners, and staff.
* Negotiate persuasively and facilitate collaboration.
* Lead and manage others to achieve outcomes.
Knowledge and experience
* Significant experience and understanding of local government operations.
* Experience working with senior leaders and elected members.
* Proven project management and problem-solving skills.
* Experience in communication tools and influencing at strategic and operational levels.
* Experience implementing change and managing sensitive issues.
* Proficiency with IT software packages.
Behavioral & other characteristics
* Proactive, responsible, and receptive to feedback.
* Collaborative, customer-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.
* Willing to lead new initiatives and participate in ongoing training.
* Aligned with Leeds City Council's equality and diversity policies.
* Observe health and safety responsibilities.
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