Private Sector Housing Manager

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Colchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Colchester seeks a Private Sector Housing Manager to lead the housing team. You will guide enforcement work, ensuring vulnerable residents are protected while driving strategic changes in housing standards. The ideal candidate is a qualified Environmental Health Practitioner with substantial experience in housing enforcement and leadership. This role offers a robust benefits package, including additional leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme choice

Annual Leave entitlement up to 26 days

Free use of the Council's gym

Qualifications

• Strong post-qualification experience in Environmental Health.
• Confidence to lead autonomously and collaboratively.
• Track record in managing teams and complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a skilled, motivated team.
• Drive strategic readiness for the Renters Rights Act.
• Deliver complex enforcement actions in housing.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Housing enforcement expertise

Team management

Education

Qualified Environmental Health Practitioner

Job description

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 37 hours per week

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 or swimming pools
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 at [e-mail]