Housing Options Lead

FOX MORRIS GROUP LTD; Thundersley; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Competitive day rate £350–£500

Job summary

Castle Point Borough Council seeks an experienced Housing Options Manager to lead the statutory Housing Options service. You will ensure homelessness duties are delivered efficiently, working with a high-performing team and senior leadership.

The role requires combining strategic leadership with operational management, driving service improvements, and ensuring legislative compliance. Hybrid work with at least three days in the office is supported for this interim assignment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a statutory Housing Options or Homelessness Service within a UK Local Authority.
• Expert knowledge of homelessness legislation and related guidance.
• Experience managing service budgets and commissioning temporary accommodation or external housing providers.
• CIH Level 5 qualification or willingness to work towards it.

Responsibilities

• Lead statutory Housing Options and Homelessness service delivery.
• Oversee homelessness assessments, housing advice, allocations and registrations per legislation.
• Develop and implement the Council's Homelessness Strategy and action plans.
• Provide expert housing legislative advice to senior managers and Members.
• Prepare reports for Cabinet, committees and meetings; respond to inquiries and complaints.
• Build partnerships with health, social care, housing associations and councils.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Budget management

Strategic leadership

Policy implementation

Collaborative working

Education

CIH Level 5

Job description

Housing Options Manager - Castle Point Borough Council

Location: Castle Point (Minimum 3 days per week in the office)

Contract: 6+ Months

Rate: £350 - £500 per day (Inside IR35, dependent on experience)

Fox Morris Group are delighted to be working with Castle Point Borough Council to recruit an experienced Housing Options Manager on an interim basis.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished Housing professional to lead a statutory Housing Options service, driving service improvements, ensuring legislative compliance and supporting the delivery of the Council's homelessness prevention strategy.

The Role

As Housing Options Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to the Housing Options Service, ensuring statutory homelessness duties are delivered efficiently, effectively and in line with current housing legislation. You will lead a high-performing team, work closely with senior leadership and elected Members, and play a key role in shaping homelessness services across the borough.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Council's statutory Housing Options and Homelessness service.
• Ensure homelessness assessments, housing advice, allocations and registrations are delivered in accordance with legislation and Council policy.
• Lead the development and implementation of the Council's Homelessness Strategy and associated action plans.
• Provide expert advice to senior managers, elected Members and key stakeholders on housing legislation and homelessness matters.
• Prepare reports and present recommendations to Cabinet, committees and Member meetings.
• Manage Member enquiries, MP correspondence and formal complaints, ensuring timely and high-quality responses.
• Develop strong partnerships with health services, social care, housing associations, voluntary organisations and neighbouring authorities.
• Identify and secure external funding opportunities to support homelessness prevention initiatives.
• Ensure effective budget management, procurement and contract oversight across the service.
• Drive continuous service improvement, performance management and compliance with statutory requirements.

About You

We're looking for an experienced Housing leader who can demonstrate:

• Extensive management experience within a statutory Housing Options or Homelessness Service in a UK Local Authority.
• Expert knowledge of homelessness legislation, the Housing Act, Homelessness Code of Guidance and relevant case law.
• Experience managing significant service budgets and commissioning temporary accommodation or external housing providers.
• CIH Level 5 qualification (or willingness to work towards it).
• Strong leadership skills with experience developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including working with Members and senior leadership.
• The ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
• A collaborative leadership style with a passion for improving services and delivering positive outcomes for residents.

What's on Offer?

• £350 - £500 per day.
• Initial 6-month contract with the potential for extension.
• Opportunity to lead a high-profile Housing Options service.
• Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 office days per week.
• Chance to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking Local Authority.