Private Sector Housing Manager

Private Sector Housing Manager

Salary £46,843 - £52,618 per annum + additional Market Force supplement

Contract Type:Permanent

Working Hours:37 hours per week

You will lead one of the strongest Private Sector Housing teams in the region: a capable, committed group with technical depth, professional pride, and the right culture. You will have real scope to shape future direction, influence policy, and lead meaningful change across a growing city.

You will play a central role in Colchester’s response to the Renters Rights Act by not only overseeing delivery and assurance, but by embedding new practice and strengthening long‑term standards. Your professional judgement will be trusted, your expertise valued, and your leadership visible across the organisation.

This is a role with real long‑term potential: the chance to shape a strategic service, build your leadership profile, and have a lasting impact on housing quality across Colchester.

This is not a role where you inherit chaos. This is a role where you inherit existing momentum. You will lead:

• A team with solid foundations, strong technical skills, and the right mindset.
• A service with clear direction, confident leadership, and full organisational backing.
• A forward‑thinking authority that values strong, people‑centred leadership.
• A culture that values solution‑seeking, calm professionalism, and collaborative problem‑solving.
• A Head of Service who coaches, supports autonomy, sets high standards, and removes barriers.
• A portfolio where major legislative change has been prepared for, so your focus will be delivery, assurance, and strengthening practice — not crisis management.
• Senior‑level visibility, working with partners including Legal, NHS colleagues, regional networks, landlords, Members, and cross‑council leadership forums.

As Private Sector Housing Manager, you will:

• Lead, develop, and motivate an experienced, highly capable team.
• Act as the Council’s technical expert for PSH policy, quality, and enforcement.
• Oversee delivery and ongoing assurance of the Renters Rights Act and shape the city’s long‑term approach to it.
• Direct proportionate, evidence‑based enforcement, including HMO licensing, civil penalties, and complex statutory interventions using the full range of Housing Act powers where appropriate.
• Strengthen safeguarding and vulnerability pathways with partners.
• Build strong internal and external relationships across Public Protection, Legal, NHS partners, landlords, and regional networks.
• Represent Colchester at senior internal and external forums.
• Shape improvement, innovation, and service consistency, contributing to wider Public Protection objectives.

Your work will directly improve health, safety, and housing conditions across a rapidly growing city.

We are looking for an emotionally intelligent, confident leader who brings:

• A recognised Environmental Health qualification.
• Substantial experience in private sector housing enforcement.
• The ability to lead calmly and decisively, especially in complex situations.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
• A solutions‑focused mindset and a balanced approach to enforcement.
• Experience managing teams, budgets, and regulatory programmes.
• A desire to shape service direction and contribute to long‑term improvement.

Above all, you will be someone who sets high standards, builds trust, and leads with purpose.

This is a council that invests in its people. Your wellbeing, growth, and professional autonomy matter to us. You will benefit from:

• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Additional Market Forces Supplement
• Tax‑efficient salary sacrifice e‑car loan scheme
• Bicycle loan and Cycle to Work schemes
• Stream financial wellbeing platform
• Additional wellbeing support through Stream
• Mileage and subsistence allowances
• Retail and lifestyle discounts (Vine Extras)
• Extensive online retail discounts through approved platforms

• Up to 26 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays and 2 extra statutory days
• Option to purchase additional leave
• Comprehensive flexible working scheme
• Relocation support…