Private Rented Sector LeadCouncil

Private Rented Sector Lead Salary £45,701 - £49,087 pa plus an essential Car user allowance 36 Hours per week

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Private Rented Sector Lead to drive forward a new approach to securing accommodation in the private rented sector for residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This is a key leadership role within Housing Options, focused on building strong landlord and partner relationships, developing flexible incentive-based schemes, and increasing access to good quality, sustainable private rented accommodation.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight, helping to create a more target-driven, financially sustainable and integrated service. You will use market intelligence, performance data and partnership working to improve outcomes for residents, reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, and support wider service development across West Surrey.

What you will be doing: • Develop and implement a new incentive-based approach to securing private rented accommodation. • Lead the service towards a more commercial, proactive and target-driven model. • Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, letting agents, Registered Providers, developers, neighbouring authorities and wider housing partners. • Use business intelligence, market analysis and performance information to shape service delivery and demonstrate value for money. • Exercise strong financial oversight of incentive schemes, rent deposits and rent in advance arrangements. • Support homelessness prevention, tenancy sustainment and move-on from temporary accommodation. • Coach, manage and develop staff, embedding effective performance management and a culture of continuous improvement. • Provide specialist knowledge on homelessness duties, tenancy sustainment, suitability, property standards and relevant housing legislation.

You will be a confident, resilient and solution-focused housing professional with the ability to combine strategic thinking with practical delivery. You will understand the pressures facing local authorities, landlords and residents, and will be able to negotiate effectively to achieve positive, sustainable outcomes. We are looking for someone who is commercially aware, data-informed and comfortable working to ambitious targets. You will be able to lead change, manage budgets responsibly, develop productive partnerships and inspire others to deliver high-quality services. Strong communication, report-writing and stakeholder management skills will be essential, alongside a sound understanding of homelessness prevention, private rented sector housing and safeguarding responsibilities.

Why join us? This is an opportunity to shape a developing area of the Housing Options service and make a direct contribution to preventing homelessness, improving access to secure accommodation and reducing the need for temporary accommodation. You will play a visible role in building a stronger, more sustainable private rented sector offer for residents and partners. This post is identified as a hybrid post supporting both office and home working in line with Spelthorne Borough Council’s policy. The post holder will be required to attend the office in line with a rota and any service requirements. The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for customer facing posts. These posts fall within the scope of the Code of Practice on English language requirement for public sector workers. The Council, therefore, has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. If you have any queries or would like to discuss this further, please contact Human Resources.

Please note as part of the employment checks this post will be subject to a Basic Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please note that as part of the employment checks, this post has an essential car user allowance attached to it. A valid driving licence, and access to a vehicle insured for business use will be required.

Spelthorne Borough Council use the Microsoft Authenticator app as a secure way of accessing our network. Successful candidates will be required to use their own mobile device to download and use Authenticator.

In return, we can offer excellent conditions of service with a benefits’ package that includes flexible working hours, pension scheme and at least 23 days’ paid leave per year (pro rata for part time).

Closing date: 9th October 2026 12 noon Interview date: 27th October 2026

To apply please use the ‘apply online’ button. CVs can only be accepted in support of a completed application form.

Unfortunately, we are unable to reply to all candidates. If we have not contacted, you within 3 weeks of the closing date then your application has been unsuccessful. All shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email after the closing date.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Spelthorne Borough Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. Please see more information here Local government in Surrey is changing | Spelthorne Borough Council and also Future Surrey – Surrey LGR Hub

Working towards equal opportunities Strictly No Agencies

Position type: Flexible Hours, Full Time