Private Sector Housing Manager

Colchester City Council; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Colchester City Council is hiring a Private Sector Housing Manager to lead a skilled team and drive innovation in housing standards. This pivotal role involves strategic leadership in housing enforcement while ensuring the protection of vulnerable residents. As an influential leader, you'll shape responses to national changes and improve health outcomes through effective management and enforcement practices.

Benefits

Market Force Supplement for eligible candidates

Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual Leave entitlement up to 26 days

Flex days off available

Employee Assistance Programmes

Discounts on fitness and health services

Qualifications

• Strong post-qualification experience in environmental health.
• Experience in housing enforcement and public health-led housing.
• Confidence to lead autonomously and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the Private Sector Housing team.
• Guide enforcement work and prepare for the Renters Rights Act.
• Drive strategic readiness and support vulnerable residents.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Leadership

Team management

Public health knowledge

Education

Qualified Environmental Health Practitioner

Job description

Contract Type:Permanent

Working Hours:37 hours per week

Face to face interviews will take place week commencing 14 July 2025

As the second-largest district in Essex, Colchester is where rich history meets bold ambition. Our city is growing fast, and so is our drive in continuing to deliver high-quality, inclusive services for residents, businesses,and visitors. Private Sector Housing is at the heart of this, recognised as a key factor in public health and wellbeing.

With big changes on the horizon including the emerging Renters Rights Act, this is a prime opportunity to lead an innovative, future-focused team that ready to make real change.

Why Choose Colchester?

We are proud of our people, our culture, and our commitment to supporting staff to thrive. At Colchester, you'll find a workplace that values personal growth, flexibility, and your wellbeing. The Private Sector housing team that we have is one of the best in the region, with strong foundations you will inherit. Here's just a taste of what we offer:

• • Additional Market Force Supplement for eligible candidates
  • Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme choice
  • Annual Leave entitlement up to 26 days a year
  • Additional leave on the 8 public holidays
  • Extra statutory leave for 2 days during the festive season
  • The ability to add up to 4 flex days off each month
  • Options to purchase additional days of holiday
  • Our new Wagestream, which allows pre-tax saving with attractive interest rates; or can be used to take your salary early if an unexpected personal expense arises
  • 100% payment of one professional membership
  • Mileage and subsistence allowance payments
  • The popular Vine Extras discount scheme for retail, goods and services
  • Tax-free cycle schemes
  • Free use of the Council's own gym
  • Discounted fitness classes and/or swimming pool memberships
  • Reduced cost private health care options
  • Staff incentives for events, museums and exhibitions
  • Diverse learning opportunities, including transferable skills and ways to open up career progression routes using apprenticeships, coaching, mentoring, leadership and management qualifications
  • Employee Assistance Programmes providing confidential support networks
  • A variety of in-house health and wellbeing activities, groups and programmes

The Role: Private Sector Housing Manager

We are looking for a strategic, driven leader to take charge of our high-performing Private Sector Housing team. You'll act as the Council technical lead by guiding our enforcement work, preparing for incoming legislation, and ensuring vulnerable residents are protected.

But this is more than enforcement, this is visionary leadership. You'll help shape how Colchester responds to national change, builds partnerships, and drives innovation in housing standards. Your impact will be felt city-wide as you:

• • Lead and inspire a skilled, motivated team
  • Act as the Council expert on Private Sector Housing strategy and enforcement
  • Drive strategic readiness for the Renters Rights Act and future changes
  • Support vulnerable residents through safeguarding and cross-agency work
  • Deliver complex enforcement action from HMO licensing to civil penalties
  • Improve health outcomes by tackling unsafe, unhealthy housing
  • Embed a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
  • Represent Colchester at strategic and regional forums
  • Contribute to wider goals across Environmental Health and Public Protection

What You will Bring

We are after someone dynamic, experienced, and ready to lead with purpose. You'll need:

• • A qualified Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) with strong post-qualification experience
  • Confidence to lead autonomously and collaboratively
  • A problem-solving mindset and excellent communication skills
  • Expertise in housing enforcement and public health-led housing
  • A track record in managing teams, budgets, and complex projects

Apply Now

This is your chance to make a real, lasting difference in one of the most progressive housing teams in the country.

For an informal chat regarding this vacancy, please contact Andrew Tyrrell, Head of Public Protection [e-mail]

For further information regarding this vacancy, please clickhere.