Head of Homelessness & Allocations (Perm: South London)

Adecco; City Of London; On-site; GBP 94,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Local Government organization is looking for a Head of Homelessness and Allocations based in South London. This role involves leading the strategic direction of homelessness services, managing housing allocation, and ensuring compliance with legal obligations. Candidates should have extensive experience in housing services, demonstrate strong leadership skills, and be able to manage budgets effectively. The position is full-time and office attendance is mandatory for at least three days a week.

Qualifications

• Experience leading strategic initiatives in homelessness and housing allocation.
• Strong understanding of council policies and legislative requirements.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction for all aspects of homelessness and social housing allocation.
• Oversee the delivery of a high-quality integrated housing service.
• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations regarding homeless households.
• Develop and implement temporary accommodation and rough sleeping strategies.
• Manage staff teams and adhere to performance management systems.

Job description

Head of Homelessness & Allocations (Perm: South London)

A fantastic opportunity has emerged for a Head of Homelessness and Allocations to join one of Adecco's leading Local Government clients in a permanent contract, paying between £94,900- £100,800 per annum. This full‑time role requires 36 hours each week, Monday to Friday, with interviews scheduled for February 2026. The client is based in South London and office attendance is required for a minimum of 3 days each week. As a member of the extended management team you will work collaboratively across the department and with other Heads of Service and directors to ensure the effective and efficient development and delivery of council services that support departmental and council objectives. You will undertake the role of being the strategic lead in the service area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction for all aspects of homelessness, housing register assessments, rough sleeping and allocation of social housing.
• Report daily to the Director of Homelessness Prevention & Accommodation and take professional lead for the homelessness and housing register assessments, rough sleeping and allocation of social housing.
• Deliver a high quality new integrated housing service which is respectful and responsive to tenants and leaseholders, managing all residential lettings regardless of tenure and funding base (HRA or GF).
• Deliver a service budget and associated savings programme and transformation projects within that budget envelope.
• Lead on temporary accommodation strategy, looking at ways to reduce TA and increase prevention, and oversee quality of TA/EA provision in conjunction with private sector housing team.
• Lead on Rough Sleeping strategies and pathways to ensure statutory obligations are discharged.
• Instill a culture of customer service and "can-do" attitude across teams.
• Plan, develop and deliver statutory duties in line with legislation, council policy and priorities.
• Ensure the council meets its statutory obligations to homeless households, including prevention.
• Provide strategic direction to the planning and implementation of service delivery within a complex and high‑risk service area.
• Lead and develop staff teams and ensure compliance with the council's performance management system and all HR policies and procedures.
• Accountable for associated budget and have affordable plans in place to deliver the annual budget and Medium Term Financial Plan.
• Lead all aspects of single homelessness work and single homelessness service.
• Track, prevention and relief service and rough sleeping and reviews.

Our client is willing to consider applicants who are on notice periods of up to three months. Only applicants who feel they meet the above criteria need apply.