Project Manager – AR

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Rochford, Brentwood; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government recruitment agency is seeking an Interim Project Manager for a 6-month contract to lead the implementation of the Renters Rights Act 2025. The role involves coordinating various stakeholders, developing implementation plans, managing project risks, and ensuring compliance with housing legislation. Strong experience in local government project management and stakeholder engagement is required. This position offers a chance to influence housing interactions and provide critical support for community development.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in project management, preferably within local government or housing.
• Good working knowledge of housing legislation and the private rented sector.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in policy development and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the Renters Rights Act 2025.
• Develop and manage implementation plans.
• Support stakeholder engagement and communications.
• Manage project risks and budget.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Policy development

Financial management

Communication skills

Risk management

Job description

Job Description

Interim Project Manager (6 months) – Renters Rights Act 2025 Implementation

Role Purpose

To lead and coordinate the Rochford and Brentwood Council’s implementation of the Renters Rights Act 2025, ensuring all statutory requirements are met, key milestones are achieved, and effective communication and engagement with tenants, landlords, and stakeholders is delivered.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Manager: Support the multi-disciplinary project delivery group responsible for implementing the Renters Rights Act 2025, including representatives from Environmental Health, Housing, Housing Advice & Homelessness, Trading Standards, Legal, Revenues & Benefits, Finance, Data Intelligence, and Communications.
• Implementation Planning: Develop, manage, and monitor a detailed implementation plan, ensuring all statutory duties and council objectives are met by the required deadlines (notably the 1 May 2026 implementation date).
• Policy and Procedure Development: Developing, review and updating of enforcement policies, civil penalties policy, service charges, and IT systems requirements to ensure compliance with the new legislation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Support the development of a communications plan to reach tenants and landlords with accurate and timely information, including updating the council website, signposting to advice services, and building relationships with referral partners such as Citizens Advice.
• Risk and Resource Management: Identify and manage project risks, ensure the project is included in the council’s risk register, and assess resource requirements, including staff training and recruitment.
• Reporting and Compliance: Ensure all reporting requirements to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) are met, and that all activities comply with the Equality Act 2010 and the council’s Public Sector Equality Duty.
• Budget Management: Manage the project budget, including New Burdens Funding and income from registration fees, ensuring financial sustainability and full cost recovery for the service.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in project management, preferably within local government or housing.
• Good working knowledge of housing legislation and the private rented sector.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in policy development, risk management, and compliance.
• Financial management and budget monitoring experience.
• Ability to interpret and implement legislation and statutory guidance.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Knowledge of housing legislation and the private rented sector.
• Experience in delivering large-scale change projects in a public sector context.