We're recruiting an experienced and highly driven Housing Enforcement Manager to lead a specialist Private Sector Housing enforcement service within a local authority. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior enforcement professional with strong leadership experience, extensive regulatory knowledge, and a passion for improving housing standards in the private rented sector.
You'll play a pivotal role in developing, directing and managing a complex Housing Enforcement Service, using a balanced approach of advice, licensing, intelligence-led interventions and robust enforcement action. The role is key to driving sustained improvements in landlord behaviour, tackling rogue landlords, and ensuring private sector housing is safe, compliant and fit for purpose.
The Role
·Lead and manage a complex Housing Enforcement Service, ensuring effective use of advice, licensing, risk-based interventions and enforcement powers.
·Drive improvements in housing conditions across the private rented sector and influence positive, long-term behaviour change among landlords and agents.
·Manage and develop a multi-disciplinary enforcement team, ensuring high performance, effective supervision and consistent service delivery.
·Oversee all enforcement activity including civil penalties, prosecutions, rent repayment orders, works in default and management orders.
·Lead on the licensing and regulation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), including compliance, monitoring and enforcement.
·Work collaboratively with Housing Options, Advice services and Social Lettings teams to support homelessness prevention and tenancy sustainment.
·Manage service budgets, income generation and cost recovery, ensuring value for money and financial sustainability.
·Develop, review and implement policies, procedures and service improvements in line with legislation and best practice.
·Provide specialist advice to senior officers, elected members and colleagues on housing enforcement, legislation and case law.
·Represent the council at local, regional and sub-regional forums, promoting partnership working and intelligence sharing.
·Respond to complaints, Member enquiries, FOI requests and MP correspondence relating to enforcement activity.
·Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health & safety, data protection and corporate governance requirements.
·Contribute to wider strategic initiatives aimed at improving housing standards and reducing reliance on temporary accommodation.
Key Requirements
·Proven experience managing a complex Housing Enforcement or Private Sector Housing service within a local authority.
·HHSRS accreditation is essential.
·Extensive experience leading housing enforcement activity, including civil penalties, prosecutions and rent repayment orders.
·Strong working knowledge of housing, environmental health and enforcement legislation, including HMO licensing.
·Experience managing and developing high-performing teams in a regulatory or enforcement environment.
·Strong understanding of performance management, service planning and financial management.
·Experience working with elected members, senior stakeholders and partner organisations.
·Excellent communication, negotiation and report-writing skills.
·Ability to interpret complex legislation and provide clear professional advice.
·Qualified Environmental Health Officer or equivalent relevant professional qualification.
·Full UK driving licence or access to suitable transport.
What You Need to Do Now