Accommodation Procurement Officer

Wokingham Jobs; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the UK is seeking an Accommodation Procurement Officer to help secure housing for those at risk of homelessness. As part of a dedicated team, you'll establish networks with landlords, conduct property inspections, and manage accommodation under the Rent Guarantee Scheme. Ideal candidates will have a background in housing procurement or property management and excellent relationship-building skills. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract with travel required.

Qualifications

• Experience working with landlords and letting agents.
• Thorough understanding of property standards and regulations.
• Proactive problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Establish a network of new accommodation providers.
• Conduct thorough property inspections.
• Manage properties under the Rent Guarantee Scheme.

Skills

Housing procurement experience

Property management experience

Excellent negotiation skills

Strong organisational skills

Relationship building with landlords

Job description

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to preventing and relieving homelessness in our community by securing suitable accommodation for those in need. Our team plays a critical role in ensuring that homeless households have access to safe and secure housing. We are currently seeking an experienced and proactive candidate to join our team as an Accommodation Procurement Officer. This role is essential in helping us expand our network of accommodation providers and support households in transitioning from temporary or insecure housing to more permanent solutions.

The Role

As an Accommodation Procurement Officer, you will work closely with our Homelessness Prevention Officers to secure private rented sector accommodation for households at risk of homelessness.

Please note this is a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Your main responsibilities will include

• Establishing a network of new accommodation providers. Engage with existing and prospective landlords and letting agents to expand our pool of available properties.
• Conducting thorough property inspections.
• Adhering to procurement processes and compliance checks.
• Promoting the uptake of our Rent Guarantee Scheme.
• Coordinating property viewings.
• Managing properties under the Rent Guarantee Scheme, including conducting regular inspections and taking enforcement action when necessary.
• Inspecting and procuring properties to meet business requirements.
• Conducting regular visits to households.

About You

We are looking for an organised and motivated individual with a strong background in housing procurement or property management. The ideal candidate will have :

• Experience working with landlords and letting agents, with a proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships.
• A thorough understanding of property standards and regulations.
• Strong organisational skills and excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Experience in housing management is highly desirable.

The successful candidate must hold a full clean UK driving licence and have access to their own vehicle, as the role involves regular travel within and outside the Wokingham borough.

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to join an excellent and dynamic team.

Please note, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible, as this advert may close early if a suitable candidate is identified.

For an Informal discussion, please email Paul Morgan, Temporary Accommodation and Resettlement Team Lead - [e-mail]

Closing date of applications : 11pm on 01 / 12 / 2025

Interview date : Week commencing 08 / 12 / 2025.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

How to apply

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.