Head of In-House Repairs and Maintenance

We are seeking an exceptional and experienced leader to join our Housing service as Head of In-House Repairs and Maintenance. This is a pivotal senior role where you will work closely with the Assistant Director of Housing and wider leadership team to drive forward a significant service improvement and transformation programme. You will play a key part in shaping the future of our housing services following local government reorganisation, ensuring we deliver high-quality, customer-focused repairs and maintenance services across our housing stock. Leading a large, geographically dispersed workforce of 140+ in-house trade colleagues, you will be responsible for delivering responsive repairs, planned maintenance and capital improvements to approximately 9,000 homes, including general needs, independent living and temporary accommodation. At the heart of this role is a commitment to putting tenants first - driving performance, learning from feedback and complaints, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. This role will require travel across the county., Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic direction for in-house repairs and maintenance services
• Lead on the development and delivery of revenue and capital work programmes
• Support delivery of the council's Housing Improvement Plan and asset strategies
• Contribute to wider housing strategy, transformation programmes and organisational priorities
• Deputise for the Assistant Director Housing as required
Service Delivery
• Ensure high-quality, cost-effective responsive repairs and planned maintenance services
• Oversee delivery of key workstreams including:
+ Responsive repairs (including out-of-hours) + Planned maintenance programmes + Empty homes refurbishment + Decent Homes capital works
• Lead the delivery of adaptations to support vulnerable and disabled tenants
Performance & Transformation
• Drive service improvement and performance management across all areas
• Embed a strong customer-focused, results-driven culture
• Lead change initiatives, including business case development for service improvements
• Use data, insight and customer feedback to improve outcomes
People & Resource Management
• Lead, manage and develop a team of managers and technical specialists
• Ensure staff wellbeing, engagement and development
• Hold responsibility for significant revenue and capital budgets
• Ensure effective financial management and value for money
• Oversee health and safety compliance, including CDM regulations
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, partners and external stakeholders
• Work collaboratively across services to deliver integrated housing outcomes
• Represent the council at local, regional and national forums
  
  We are looking for a strategic, driven and collaborative leader with significant experience in housing repairs, maintenance or construction within a local government or similar environment.
Essential Skills and Experience
• Extensive knowledge of housing repairs, maintenance and construction
• Strong understanding of landlord compliance and regulatory requirements
• Proven experience of leading large, complex services and teams
• Demonstrable experience of managing significant budgets and resources
• Track record of driving service improvement and cultural change
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experience of developing strategies, policies and service delivery models
  
  A supportive and collaborative teaching environment
• Pension Scheme: Teacher's Pension Scheme
• Fitness Discounts: Discounted Gym memberships at various gyms across the county
• Lifestyle Savings: Enjoy a wide range of discounts at hundreds of popular high-street and online retailers
And more: Additional wellbeing support, employee assistance, and development opportunities.