Housing enforcement manager

What will you be doing?

Working across the Housing Enforcement functions, you lead the team of Housing Enforcement Officers who undertake inspections using the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to identify disrepair, other non‑compliance with local and statutory requirements and breaches of management standards. Where necessary, you support action to ensure compliance. Great communication skills are key, as you will be working with several key partners, including the Police, Fire and Rescue, Immigration, HMRC and others, to ensure residents are safeguarded and afforded safe accommodation.

This role offers hybrid‑working, 2 days working from home and 3 days out across West Northants. For this reason, a UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

About you

This is a rare chance to step into a pivotal role where your expertise will directly shape housing standards and make a lasting difference to communities.

We’re looking for a high‑calibre professional who brings both technical excellence and the drive to lead change in a challenging and rewarding environment.

You’ll already be a recognised expert in your field, with the confidence and credibility to operate at a senior level. You will have:

• A relevant degree or extensive, hands‑on experience in Private Sector Housing enforcement and regulation
• A management qualification or a strong track record of leading teams, driving performance, and embedding change
• Certification in applying the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
• In‑depth knowledge of the Housing Act 2004, HHSRS, and regulatory enforcement powers relating to HMOs and private sector housing
• Proven experience building and progressing complex enforcement cases through to First‑tier Tribunal or Magistrates’ Court
• Strong understanding of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and its real‑world application

This isn’t just another enforcement role — it’s an opportunity to:

• Take ownership of complex, high‑impact cases
• Influence standards across the private rented sector
• Play a key role in protecting vulnerable residents
• Lead and inspire change in a service that truly matters

We’re looking for someone who combines expertise with purpose:

• Confident, decisive, and comfortable operating in a demanding regulatory environment
• Passionate about raising standards and making a visible difference
• Committed to ensuring every resident has access to safe, secure, and sustainable homes

We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner.

If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support.

West Northants Council, where careers thrive.