Head of Repairs

With a large housing stock of c.28,000, Sandwell Council has a very strong commitment to improving the quality of existing stock making sure that properties are safe, compliant and energy efficient across the region. The Council has been through significant change over the past couple of years and we are committed to continuing our improvement journey, transforming and modernising the council business to get the best outcomes for Sandwell residents., In order for us to achieve all our ambitions, we are now seeking to recruit a Head of Repairs who will be passionate about improving the quality of housing for our tenants and willing to take the difficult decisions for the right outcomes. The Head of Repairs will have strategic oversight for all borough wide repairs and maintenance functions of the housing stock and day to day responsibility for the DLO and contract management of third-party delivery partners. As a Head of Repairs you would be required to manage the inhouse team for repairs at Sandwell. You would be managing a team of up to 10 direct reports and the service itself consists of approximately 250 employees. The main aspect of the role is to have a strategic approach to realigning resources based on demand and managing delivery of property repairs, turning around empty properties, managing building supplies and delivering on gas and electrical repairs. The team is working with a new enhanced ICT system therefore we are looking for candidates who are able to empower and motivate the team to move forward with the period of change with a positive outlook. Candidates need to be communicative, collaborative and supportive. This is an exciting time to join the team at Sandwell to inspire change and create efficiencies. This role is part of our Heads of Service teams who will be gelling together to make a wider strategic team. We are seeking strategic leaders who will be forward thinking, solutions focussed, and offer a commercial view on the long-term strategy as the council looks to grow a new culture and develop expertise and capacity within the housing directorate. These opportunities present not only a huge challenge but also a great opportunity to lead, develop and continuously improve a wide range of business-critical services. We are realistic that our ambitious changes cannot be made overnight, which is why we are seeking driven and energetic individuals who are up for a challenge and passionate about improving quality and making a difference for tenants.

We are seeking a motivated and skilled professional who has all of the skills and experience required as stated in the personnel specification, including the following:

• A Degree or equivalent qualification in a building or construction surveying discipline.
• Extensive management experience including people management, budget management, performance management and risk management.
• Experience of managing a technical workforce and driving improved productivity, compliance and value for money.
• As a politically restricted role, experience of working with political processes and managing politically sensitive issues at a strategic level is a must.
• Experience of preparation and presentation of complex policy documents and reports.
• Knowledge of the broad issues impacting the repairs and maintenance sector.
• Understanding local government decision making and governance and experience of working with elected members and boards.
• A willingness to carry out any additional qualifications in line with the outcome of the Competency Standard consultation.
  
  Joining Sandwell Council means becoming part of a supportive and forward-thinking organisation. We offer:
• Generous annual leave entitlement, with additional entitlement granted to employees who complete 5 years continuous service with Sandwell or other local authorities.
• Access to our Employee Benefits portal which includes discounts on a number of retail locations, gym membership, and more.
• Salary sacrifice schemes for cars and bikes.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.