The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
Job reference VAC008281 Date posted 15/05/2026 Application closing date 07/06/2026 Location 100 Temple Street Redcliffe Bristol BS1 6AN Salary HOS: £78,158 - £86,607 Pro Rata Package Blank Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Job category/type Housing Attachments Head of Service - Housing Income HOS 1 - JD.pdf Head of Service - Housing Income HOS 1 - PS.pdf
We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our senior Housing team as Head of Service – Housing Income, leading a critical service at the heart of our landlord function.
This is a pivotal role responsible for the strategic leadership, operational delivery and continuous improvement of housing income services, ensuring we maximise income, sustain tenancies and deliver fair, person‑centred outcomes for residents across the city.
About the role
As Head of Housing Income, you will lead the Council’s approach to rent and service charge collection, arrears prevention and recovery, and tenancy sustainment, driving high performance and strong customer outcomes.
You will:
* Develop and deliver the Housing Income Strategy, aligning to corporate priorities and financial plans
* Provide expert leadership on rent policy, service charges and income management performance
* Lead improvement programmes that increase collection rates, reduce arrears and strengthen resident support
* Oversee a wide portfolio including rent collection, service charges, leaseholder income, temporary accommodation, heat networks and wider income streams
* Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and building safety requirements, embedding strong governance and assurance
* Use data, insight and forecasting to inform decision‑making and drive continuous improvement
This is a highly visible leadership role with responsibility for shaping how we balance financial sustainability with supporting vulnerable households, delivering early intervention and inclusive approaches to tenancy sustainment.
About you
We are looking for a senior leader with a strong track record in housing income or related services who brings both strategic insight and operational grip.
You will bring:
* Significant senior experience in income management, housing operations or related services
* Proven success in rent and service charge collection, arrears management and tenancy sustainment
* Experience leading complex services, budgets and performance frameworks at scale
* Strong understanding of housing legislation and regulatory standards (including Housing Acts, Equality Act, Pre‑Action Protocol and RSH standards)
* A track record of service transformation, digital improvement and data‑led performance management
* Experience working in partnership with DWP, courts, local authorities and support agencies
* Excellent leadership, influencing and communication skills, with the ability to drive improvement through others
You will also demonstrate a strong commitment to resident‑focused, fair and inclusive services, with the confidence to lead in a complex and high‑profile environment.
This is an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of housing services in Bristol — delivering services that are financially resilient, compliant and focused on improving outcomes for residents.
You will join a collaborative senior leadership team focused on:
* Driving service transformation and continuous improvement
* Strengthening regulatory assurance and performance
* Delivering high‑quality, resident‑centred services at scale
The Benefits
We offer a competitive salary alongside a generous holiday entitlement, flexible working options, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and much more.
As part of a forward‑thinking and collaborative team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in Bristol’s housing landscape—helping to create safe, sustainable, and affordable homes for the future.
If you share our values and are ready to be part of our exciting journey please select the apply button below.
To apply, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement that details how you meet the criteria within the Person Specification.
To be shortlisted for interview you’ll need to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification.
Key Dates
Closing date: 7th June 2026
Interview dates: Planning to interview week commencing 29th June 2026
At Bristol City Council, we value having a workforce as diverse as the city we serve. We therefore welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Young People, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and Female candidates who are currently under‑represented within this Service of Bristol City Council. Appointments will be made on merit.
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