Head of Service

Job Title: Head of Service - Social Housing
Location: South East London
Contract Type: Temporary
Day Rate: £500 - £550 per day

About the Role

We are partnering with a respected social housing provider in South East London to appoint an experienced Head of Service on an interim basis. You will provide strategic and operational leadership for repairs, voids, planned works, and disrepair functions. This role is key to stabilising services, improving performance, and driving best practice across property maintenance teams.

You will manage senior staff and contractors to deliver a high-quality, compliant, and customer-focused service, with a strong focus on housing compliance, contract management, and service improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across repairs, voids, planned works, and disrepair services.

• Manage service managers, supervisors, and operational teams to meet KPIs and deliver efficient maintenance.

• Oversee contractor and supply chain performance, ensuring quality and value for money.

• Manage disrepair claims and legal cases proactively, in line with legislation.

• Deliver planned works aligned with asset management and capital investment plans.

• Monitor budgets, risks, and performance, reporting to senior leadership.

• Drive continuous service improvement and operational efficiency.

• Collaborate with housing, legal, asset strategy, and finance teams for seamless service delivery.

• Ensure full compliance with health & safety, statutory regulations, and housing standards.

Requirements

• Proven senior leadership experience in social housing repairs and maintenance, preferably as Head of Service or similar.

• Strong knowledge of voids, planned works, and disrepair management including current legislation.

• Experience managing large teams and contractors.

• Commercial awareness and strong contract management skills.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management, with a resident-focused approach.

• Proven track record in performance improvement and cultural change.

Desirable

• Relevant professional qualifications (CIH, RICS, CIOB, HNC/HND).

• Experience with London housing providers or ALMOs.

• Familiarity with asset management software (Northgate, DRS, OpenHousing).

How to Apply

This is an excellent interim opportunity to lead key housing maintenance functions during a period of change. If you have the experience and drive, apply now!