Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Face to face interviews will take place week commencing 14 July 2025
As the second-largest district in Essex, Colchester is where rich history meets bold ambition. Our city is growing fast, and so is our drive in continuing to deliver high-quality, inclusive services for residents, businesses, and visitors. Private Sector Housing is at the heart of this, recognised as a key factor in public health and wellbeing.
With big changes on the horizon including the emerging Renters Rights Act, this is a prime opportunity to lead an innovative, future-focused team that ready to make real change.
Why Choose Colchester?
We are proud of our people, our culture, and our commitment to supporting staff to thrive. At Colchester, you'll find a workplace that values personal growth, flexibility, and your wellbeing. The Private Sector housing team that we have is one of the best in the region, with strong foundations you will inherit. Here's just a taste of what
we offer:
Additional Market Force Supplement for eligible candidates
Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme choice
Annual Leave entitlement up to 26 days a year
Additional leave on the 8 public holidays
Extra statutory leave for 2 days during the festive season
The ability to add up to 4 flex days off each month
Options to purchase additional days of holiday
Our new Wagestream, which allows pre-tax saving with attractive interest rates; or can be used to take your salary early if an unexpected personal expense arises
100% payment of one professional membership
Mileage and subsistence allowance payments
The popular Vine Extras discount scheme for retail, goods and services
Tax-free cycle schemes
Free use of the Council's own gym
Discounted fitness classes and/or swimming pool memberships
Reduced cost private health care options
Staff incentives for events, museums and exhibitions
Diverse learning opportunities, including transferable skills and ways to open up career progression routes using apprenticeships, coaching, mentoring, leadership and management qualifications
Employee Assistance Programmes providing confidential support networks
A variety of in-house health and wellbeing activities, groups and programmes
The Role: Private Sector Housing Manager
We are looking for a strategic, driven leader to take charge of our high-performing Private Sector Housing team. You'll act as the Council technical lead by guiding our enforcement work, preparing for incoming legislation, and ensuring vulnerable residents are protected.
But this is more than enforcement, this is visionary leadership. You'll help shape how Colchester responds to national change, builds partnerships, and drives innovation in housing standards. Your impact will be felt city-wide as you:
Lead and inspire a skilled, motivated team
Act as the Council expert on Private Sector Housing strategy and enforcement
Drive strategic readiness for the Renters Rights Act and future changes
Support vulnerable residents through safeguarding and cross-agency work
Deliver complex enforcement action from HMO licensing to civil penalties
Improve health outcomes by tackling unsafe, unhealthy housing
Embed a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
Represent Colchester at strategic and regional forums
Contribute to wider goals across Environmental Health and Public Protection
What You will Bring
We are after someone dynamic, experienced, and ready to lead with purpose. You'll need:
A qualified Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) with strong post-qualification experience
Confidence to lead autonomously and collaboratively
A problem-solving mindset and excellent communication skills
Expertise in housing enforcement and public health-led housing
A track record in managing teams, budgets, and complex projects
Apply Now
This is your chance to make a real, lasting difference in one of the most progressive housing teams in the country.
For an informal chat regarding this vacancy, please contact Andrew Tyrrell, Head of Public Protection at Andrew.Tyrrell@colchester.gov.uk
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .