Principal Environmental Health Officer

Croydon Council; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 53,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Greater London is seeking an experienced Principal Environmental Health Officer to join the Private Sector Housing team. This vital leadership role includes managing a team and addressing complex enforcement cases. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in housing issues and a commitment to safeguarding tenants' health and safety. The position offers a diverse working environment with a comprehensive benefits package, emphasizing career development and work-life balance.

Benefits

10% Market Supplement

Generous Benefits Package

Career Development Support

Work Life Balance Options

Family Friendly Provisions

Qualifications

• A recognised Environmental Health qualification and registration (REnvH or equivalent), with Chartered status or a commitment to achieve it.
• At least 5 years’ experience in environmental/public health, including enforcement and housing work.
• Strong knowledge of housing, public health, and enforcement legislation.
• Excellent staff management skills and experience supervising a team.
• Confidence in managing complex cases, preparing legal files, and appearing in court or tribunals.

Responsibilities

• Managing and developing a team of up to 6 staff.
• Leading complex enforcement action, including prosecutions and rent repayment orders.
• Administering property licensing schemes and ensuring compliance.
• Inspecting properties and taking enforcement action as needed.
• Developing policies and initiatives to improve housing standards.

Skills

Knowledge of housing

Public health legislation

Enforcement skills

Team management

Communication and collaboration

Education

Recognised Environmental Health qualification

Job description

Principal Environmental Health Officer

Croydon, London

£53,172 -£55,323 p.a. plus fantstic benefits

Make a difference in Croydon’s private rented sector

Croydon is one of London’s most diverse boroughs and a fast-growing private rented sector. We’re proud of our rich culture, strong communities, and ambition to provide safe, healthy, and decent homes for all. We are looking for an experienced and motivated Principal Environmental Health Officer to join our Private Sector Housing team. This is a key leadership role where you will help improve housing standards, protect residents’ health and safety, and drive up the professionalism of landlords and agents in Croydon’s private rented sector.

You will lead a small team, take responsibility for complex enforcement cases, and play a key role in delivering our property licensing schemes and housing initiatives. You’ll bring your expertise to tackle poor housing conditions, safeguard tenants, and help shape the future of private housing in the borough.

Key responsibilities:

• Managing and developing a team of up to 6 staff (officers and assistants)
• Leading complex enforcement action, including prosecutions, rent repayment orders, and banning orders
• Taking the lead on at least one specialist area such as tall buildings, fire safety, HMOs, empty properties, pest control, or energy efficiency
• Administering and enforcing property licensing schemes and ensuring compliance
• Inspecting properties, identifying hazards under HHSRS, and taking appropriate enforcement action
• Developing policies, contracts, and initiatives to improve housing standards
• Representing the council at tribunals, courts, and stakeholder meetings

About you:

• A recognised Environmental Health qualification and registration (REnvH or equivalent), with Chartered status or a commitment to achieve it.
• At least 5 years’ experience in environmental/public health, including enforcement and housing work.
• Strong knowledge of housing, public health, and enforcement legislation.
• Excellent staff management skills and experience supervising a team.
• Confidence in managing complex cases, preparing legal files, and appearing in court or tribunals.
• The ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships with internal and external partners.

Why join us

We are passionate about our staff and in return we will provide a rewarding career with a commitment to investing in you.

• Inclusive Culture: Join a team that values diversity and is committed to supporting a work environment where all staff can thrive.
• 10% Market Supplement: A 10% market supplement will be added to your pay. Please note this is subject to review on 30th June 2026.
• Career Development: We invest in our staff and support their development.
• Generous Benefits Package: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including a Local Government Pension Scheme with an average employer contribution of 20%, up to 31 days of annual leave (eligibility criteria apply) in addition to Bank Holidays and option to purchase more, a commitment to your well‑being and work‑life balance with access to the confidential and free Employee Assistance Programme 24/7.
• Family Friendly provisions: Generous maternity leave and family leave provisions
• Work Life Balance: Options for flexible and agile working options in line with service demand
• Make a Difference: Be part of a council that is dedicated to improving the lives of its residents through effective and compassionate housing management. At Croydon relationships matter and we are about strong partnerships and working together to make lasting positive change

Application Closing Date: 4 January 2026

About Us

Croydon Council’s priorities

The Council balances its books, listens to residents, and delivers good sustainable services

• Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable
• Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon’s diverse communities and businesses
• Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors
• Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice
• Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities

Key business plan outcomes:

• Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning
• Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential
• Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we’re proud to call home
• People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer
• Croydon Council’s new ways of working

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.