Assistant Director

Red Personnel; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent recruitment agency is seeking an Assistant Director to lead initiatives improving housing standards across private rented accommodation in London. The ideal candidate should have senior management experience, a deep understanding of housing legislation, and a proven track record in strategic budget management. This hybrid role offers a day rate of £700-£750 and is expected to last for 3 months, with potential for extension.

Qualifications

• Senior management experience in a large organisation.
• Deep understanding of housing legislation and policy.
• Proven track record in developing operational strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead borough-wide initiatives to improve housing standards.
• Ensure compliance of private landlords with lease requirements.
• Act as the Council's expert advisor on private sector housing.

Skills

Senior management experience

Deep understanding of housing legislation

Strategic budget management

Developing operational strategies

Political interface knowledge

Job description

Assistant Director - Housing Standards
Location: London | Sector: London Local Authority
Day Rate: £700-£750 (Umbrella) | Hybrid Working
Duration 3 months in the first instance (potential for extension)
Immediate Interviews
Expected Start: Late November / Early December

Overview

• Lead borough-wide initiatives to improve housing standards in private rented accommodation, including properties managed by Registered Providers such as Housing Associations
• Strengthen relationships with Housing Associations where tenants have complaints or concerns
• Ensure private landlords in council-owned stock comply with lease requirements, including alterations, use, and nuisance
• Act as the Council's expert advisor on private sector housing, influencing policy, strategy, and operational delivery
• Provide high‑level performance and quality monitoring to Senior Leadership and Members
• Develop strategic approaches to meet housing priorities and ensure corporate visibility of key performance indicators
• Strategically influence and manage budgets of £5-10m annually
• Lead up to five direct reports and work with Finance to maximise private sector housing income and debt collection
• Develop opportunities for income generation and grant funding for housing services
• Represent the authority at regional and national forums, building relationships with private landlords, property agents, and Registered Social Landlords
• Ensure consistent, high‑quality responses to housing complaints across all tenures, including damp and mould issues
• Drive ambitious service improvement programmes to deliver the best possible outcomes for tenants, renters, and leaseholders

Knowledge & Experience

• Senior management experience in a large organisation with complex, multidisciplinary teams
• Deep understanding of housing legislation and policy, including Housing Acts, Building Safety Act, Renters Rights Act, and related legislation
• Proven track record in developing and implementing operational strategies and performance frameworks
• Experience of strategic budget management and delivering high‑quality services
• Knowledge of the political interface in local government and the needs of elected members

This is a high‑impact, strategic role at the heart of the authority's housing and regulatory agenda. You will influence housing standards across the borough, ensuring safe, well‑managed homes for residents while shaping policy and service delivery at a local, regional, and national level.

Interviews are being scheduled immediately, with a view to a start in late November / early December. Submit your CV for immediate review