Enforcement Manager

About West Northamptonshire

West Northamptonshire is a place of ambition and opportunity with a strong focus on working with our many different communities. At the heart of our vision to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive is a clear commitment to improving health, preventing ill-health and reducing inequalities.

We are seeking to appoint a Housing Enforcement Manager to lead our successful Housing Enforcement Team. You will focus on rented properties across private and social rented sectors, working closely with the Housing Regulation Manager who supports licensed property activities, and redesigning responses in line with the Renters Rights Act 2025.

The team has been turning heads and getting results in ensuring that the private rented sector provides safe and sustainable accommodation, that unsafe and unlicensed properties are brought back into compliance, and that those who benefit from criminal, rogue and irresponsible behaviours are dealt with in line with the Council’s enforcement regime.

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

This role offers hybrid working – 2 days working from home and 3 days across West Northants. A UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

• 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

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

• 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