Director of Housing
The London Borough of Harrow is a great place. Thriving, green and well-connected, it’s a perfect mix of town and country, where people and families from many different backgrounds are building their futures. We’re proud to provide around 6,000 of those homes, comprising a mix of council-owned and leasehold properties, as well as some temporary units. As well as investing in our existing stock (such as compliance upgrades and energy efficiency improvements), we’re building new homes through regeneration schemes. With strong finances, effective and expert leadership and a consistent track record of improvement in recent years, our housing service is well-regarded by peers, partners and customers alike.
With a clear set of priorities and objectives, and the full support of elected members, it’s an excellent time to join us as our new Director of Housing. This is a full-spectrum role, in which you’ll be accountable for all housing management services (including allocations, voids and repairs, asset management, fire and building safety, as well as resident engagement, homelessness and the provision of temporary accommodation). Leading a passionately committed team of around 250, and overseeing an HRA budget of £32m, you’ll ensure our estates are sustainable, safe and community-focused, and that we keep our promises to customers.
We’re looking for someone with comprehensive subject expertise and the leadership experience to build on our recent progress, as well as the ability to inspire the whole service with an ambitious vision of continuing improvement. Candidates must be able to navigate a complex political environment, nurture an innovative culture and understand the vital importance of delivering affordable housing that meets the needs of our diverse community. You’ll know how to work effectively in a democratic organisation and will have a track record of building strong partnerships of purpose. An excellent grasp of the financial and regulatory aspects of the role is essential, and you must have the personal value-set, judgement and resilience to fulfil this challenging and rewarding role.
Role Purpose
The Director of Housing as a member of Housing & Regeneration Directorate Management team is responsible for strategic and operational management of all housing services across the council. Focus on allocation of council homes & void management, sustainable housing estates development, HRA, repairs & assets management programme, fire and safety, provision of temporary accommodation, services to alleviate homelessness, private sector standards and influence provision, tenant and leaseholder participation & consultation and estate management.
The Director of Housing will provide exemplary strategic leadership across the services and the whole Housing & Regeneration Directorate. Alongside the Leadership team, the Director will lead, motive, and inspire the whole staff body in Communities and promote a cohesive culture and vision.
Measures of Success
This post reports directly to the Strategic Director Housing & Regeneration and will direct and lead the Councils Housing services and the strategic and general management of the following services /priorities on behalf of the council:
- Council homes
- Property Repair & Maintenance
- HRA Business Plan
- Housing Needs
- Resident services Tenants and leaseholders
- Sustainable Housing estates regeneration and development
- Affordable Housing programme
- Fire safety and building safety compliance programme
Pioneer and deliver excellent outcomes through the development and implementation of the following key strategies:
- Asset Management strategy
- Sustainable Housing Strategy
- HRA Business Plan
- Homelessness strategy
- Residents’ engagement strategy
Responsible for the effective management of delegated budgets:
- 2025/26 £43.6m collection and revenue expenditure £34m
- 2025/26 Capital - £83.4m (£35.9m in planned investment and £47.5m in new homes)
- The role manages 1 Assistant Director and 3 Heads of Service
Climate Vision
Harrow is committed to helping staff and residents understand the impact of individual/organisational choices on climate. Contributing to our Interim Climate Strategy is an objective for every employee in terms of measuring success.
Please also see our Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.
For more information, please view the role profile below:
Contact Information:
Sean Anderson
Tel: 0121 312 3755
Email: sanderson@faerfield.co.ukDawn Faulkner
Tel: 0121 312 3755
Email: dfaulkner@faerfield.co.uk
Indicative Timetable:
Closing date:
Wednesday 4 February 2026Preliminary Interviews:
w/c 16 February 2026Final Interviews:
Thursday 26 February
(dates may be subject to slight change)
Apply:
To apply for this job please click on the Apply button below and fill out the requested information. When prompted, please submit your CV and a Supporting Statement of no more than 1,000 words.
With your CV, please also provide the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be contacted if you reach the final stages, and we will not contact referees without your permission.
Your supporting statement should express why you are interested in this role and what experience you can bring to the organisation. The statement should tackle the specific requirements of the role; outlining examples and outcomes showing how you meet those requirements.
