Temporary Accommodation Manager

London Borough of Merton; Wimbledon; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The London Borough of Merton is seeking a confident, resilient Temporary Accommodation Manager to lead our Temporary Accommodation and Settled Housing Casework teams. You will drive performance, deliver improvements and reduce reliance on costly temporary accommodation.

Hybrid working with at least 60% workplace attendance at Civic Centre, Morden, and a focus on proactive, outcome-focused support for residents.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of teams and organizational change.
• Experience applying homelessness legislation and housing services.
• Budget management, financial controls and delivering performance targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop staff, driving accountability and continuous improvement.
• Transform casework practices to proactive, outcome-focused support and clear pathways to settled accommodation.
• Drive initiatives to reduce temporary accommodation costs, length of stay and reliance on nightly paid accommodation.
• Use performance data to identify challenges, improve processes and deliver measurable results.
• Oversee supply and management of safe, suitable and cost-effective temporary accommodation.
• Manage budgets, maximise income and minimise arrears and Housing Benefit subsidy loss.
• Build partnerships with landlords, providers and internal teams to improve housing outcomes.
• Ensure statutory compliance, safeguarding and high standards of customer service.

Skills

Team leadership

Performance management

Change management

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Education

Degree in social housing or public administration

Job description

Advert Text

Location: Civic Centre, Morden

Working arrangements: Hybrid working, at least 60% workplace attendance.

About The Role

Are you an ambitious, forward-thinking leader with the drive and determination to transform a service and deliver meaningful change?

The London Borough of Merton is seeking an experienced and dynamic Temporary Accommodation Manager to lead and develop our Temporary Accommodation and Settled Housing Casework teams.

This is more than a traditional management role. We are looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas, challenge existing ways of working and inspire a high-performing, accountable and motivated team.

You will play a key role in improving service delivery, strengthening casework, accelerating move-on into settled housing and reducing reliance on costly temporary accommodation.

Working closely with the Housing Supply and Temporary Accommodation Service Manager, you will take ownership of operational performance, drive efficiencies and deliver measurable improvements for both residents and the Council.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop staff, driving a culture of accountability, high performance and continuous improvement.
• Transform casework practices to ensure proactive, outcome-focused support and clear pathways into settled accommodation.
• Drive initiatives to reduce temporary accommodation costs, length of stay and reliance on nightly paid accommodation.
• Use performance data and management information to identify challenges, improve processes and deliver measurable results.
• Oversee the supply and management of safe, suitable and cost-effective temporary accommodation.
• Manage budgets, maximise income and minimise arrears and Housing Benefit subsidy loss.
• Build effective partnerships with landlords, providers and internal teams to improve housing outcomes.
• Ensure statutory compliance, safeguarding and high standards of customer service.

About You

We are looking for a confident, resilient and results-driven manager with the ability to lead change and deliver improvements.

You Will Demonstrate

• Proven experience of leading teams, managing performance and implementing change.
• Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation, temporary accommodation and housing services.
• Experience of budget management, financial controls and achieving performance targets.
• The ability to challenge existing practices, introduce innovative solutions and drive efficiencies.
• Strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.
• The confidence to make decisions, address underperformance and motivate staff.
• A proactive, collaborative approach with a commitment to improving outcomes for residents.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to make a genuine and lasting impact on a critical frontline service.

You will have the opportunity to shape how the team operates, develop staff, introduce new approaches and contribute directly to Merton's ambitions to reduce temporary accommodation costs and improve housing outcomes.

If you're a leader who thrives on challenge, brings people with you through change and has the determination to turn ideas into results, we want to hear from you.