Strategic Housing Services Manager

Reading Borough Council; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading council in Reading as a key player in shaping housing strategies and policies. This role offers the chance to drive the growth of affordable housing and ensure financial sustainability while making a lasting impact on the community. You will collaborate with developers and internal teams to meet local housing needs and national goals, all within a supportive and innovative environment.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible working opportunities

Local Government Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

On-site day nursery

Season Ticket Loan

Lease car salary sacrifice scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working with developers to maximize housing supply.
• Strong understanding of housing needs.
• Experience in managing budgets and financial monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Drive growth of affordable housing by maximizing development pipeline.
• Craft housing strategies and policies.
• Manage the Council's Housing PFI contract.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Job description

As the largest social landlord in Reading, were passionate about transforming lives and building vibrant, thriving communities. Our Housing and Communities Service is the heart of this mission striving to deliver high-quality housing services, tackle local housing needs, support safer neighbourhoods, and drive the creation of new, sustainable, and affordable homes.

With an ambitious programme of new developments and innovative service improvements already underway, this is a truly exciting time to join us. Were looking for fresh talent with energy, ideas, and a commitment to making a difference to help us deliver on our bold vision for the future of housing in Reading.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service.

About The Role

Are you passionate about shaping the future of housing? In this dynamic role, you will have the opportunity to drive the growth of affordable housing in Reading by maximising the development pipeline with key developers, while playing a leading role in the exciting expansion of the Councils New Build Programme.

You'll be at the forefront of crafting forward-thinking housing strategies and policies that make a real difference to our community, ensuring we meet both local needs and national goals. As a key steward of the Housing Revenue Account, you will support the oversight of its 30-year business plan, ensuring financial sustainability while planning for impactful investment.

You will also be responsible for the contract management of the Councils Housing PFI as it enters its final years, and you will also have the chance to shape national housing policy, using your expertise to respond to consultations and ensure our voice is heard. This is your chance to make a lasting impact on the housing landscape!

Youll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, youll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.

About You

We are seeking a dynamic individual with a strong understanding of housing need and experience of working with developers to maximise housing supply. Experience of program delivery with the ability to run services in a cost-effective manner that delivers the best outcomes for our customers is vital. A strategic mindset will be essential as you align with and drive the organisations priorities, ensuring customer needs are at the forefront of service improvements.

You should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of engaging with a diverse range of customers, clients, and staff. A positive attitude towards change is essential, with the ability to implement improvements that enhance service effectiveness. Analytical skills are key, enabling you to make quality decisions, recommendations and delivery. You should have experience in managing budgets with strong financial monitoring and control, as well as the ability to foster a performance-driven culture.

Strong leadership skills are vital, as you will motivate, empower, and develop staff to achieve their full potential. Collaboration with internal and external partners, teams, contractors, and elected members is a key aspect of this role, as is the ability to negotiate and achieve measurable outcomes.

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and youll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A Competitive Salary Alongside a Range Of Benefits Including

Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave

A wide range of flexible working opportunities

Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)

On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted

Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work

Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information on this position please contact Bryony Hall

Closing Date: 1st June 2025

Interview Date: Week Commencing 9th June

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.