We're recruiting an experienced and strategic Operations Manager - Housing Management & Income Recovery to play a leading role in the delivery and transformation of a high-performing Housing Options service.

This is a pivotal position responsible for managing and improving the council's temporary accommodation portfolio, ensuring sufficient supply, effective allocation, and excellent standards of housing management and income recovery. You'll lead on driving performance, embedding best practice, and ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory standards - all while delivering a resident-focused service that prevents and relieves homelessness.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven housing leader to influence service direction, shape operational strategy, and deliver lasting improvements for residents and the wider community.

The Role
·Lead and manage the delivery of housing management and income recovery functions, ensuring effective and compliant service delivery across temporary and leased accommodation.
·Oversee the procurement, allocation, and management of temporary accommodation to meet statutory homelessness duties.
·Drive income collection and arrears recovery performance, implementing systems and processes that maximise collection rates and minimise debt.
·Lead on temporary accommodation strategy, ensuring a balanced and sustainable supply of properties and accommodation providers.
·Develop and deliver business improvement initiatives in response to legislative reform, ombudsman standards, and judicial scrutiny.
·Provide expert leadership and management to a multidisciplinary team, setting clear objectives and fostering a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement.
·Manage financial performance, budgets, and forecasting across housing management and income recovery services, ensuring value for money and robust cost control.
·Build strong internal and external partnerships with landlords, providers, and other key stakeholders to strengthen service delivery.
·Ensure full compliance with relevant housing, welfare, and landlord-tenant legislation, including Health & Safety and safeguarding obligations.
·Represent the service at senior meetings, boards, and external forums, contributing to corporate strategies and policy development.

Key Requirements
·Extensive experience in housing management and income recovery at a strategic or senior operational level.
·Proven ability to manage large and diverse housing portfolios, including temporary and leased accommodation, and deliver effective arrears recovery strategies.
·Strong financial management and business planning skills, with a track record of monitoring and improving cost effectiveness and performance.
·In-depth knowledge of Landlord & Tenant Law, homelessness legislation, welfare reform, the Children Act, Community Care Act, and relevant case law.
·Demonstrated experience of service development, policy implementation, and managing complex or contentious cases, including legal proceedings.
·Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop high-performing teams.
·Experience of procurement, contract management, and partnership working across multiple sectors.
·Relevant degree or professional qualification, or equivalent substantial experience within housing or homelessness services.
·Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
·A solution-focused approach with a commitment to equality, diversity, and excellent customer service.

What You Need to Do Now
If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please click APPLY NOW and send us your application today.

If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.

Footnote
If you feel that this job matches your skills but not the rate, location, or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We constantly recruit for similar roles across all levels, UK-wide, and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially about your employment status.
Even if you're currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from housing professionals looking to make future connections. Our specialist team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience in this market.
For more information, call Zubair at Carrington West on 02393 876065.
By applying for this position, you agree for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with third-party clients for roles relevant to your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.