Head of Strategic Partner Management

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 Strategic Partner Management 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 Strategic Partner Management will need to have a strategic oversight of the service and understand the strategic approach to procurement within the asset management service. The post holder will be responsible for the strategic procurement approach to delivering repairs and maintenance contracts to support investment and improvement works to SMBC housing stock. They will also have responsibility for managing all aspects of the contractual and commercial elements of our projects and support the drive to provide value for money throughout the housing asset management service. The team comprises of 10 professionals, and you will be required to lead them to provide the Asset Management service with procurement and contractual and commercial support for a wide variety of contracts with a One Council One Team approach. The role involves oversight of payments looking at strategic partnerships and service level agreement to deliver value for money services whilst maximising opportunities to access grant funding to help support investment strategies. 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 have all of the skills and experience required as stated in the personnel specification and including the following qualifications:

• A relevant Professional or Degree level Qualification in construction related
procurement or construction contract management. 5 years industry experience in managing construction related procurement function within a Social Housing Landlord or similar organisation. Demonstrable experience managing significant budgets - in excess of £40m per annum. As a politically restricted role, experience of working with political processes and managing politically sensitive issues at a strategic level is a must. Understanding local government decision making and governance and experience of working with elected members and boards.
• Experience in the preparation and presentation of complex policy documents and reports.
A willingness to carry out any additional qualifications in line with the outcome of the Competency Standard consultation. Knowledge Required Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the following requirements:
• Financial Regulations in a local authority setting.
• Procurement & Contract Procedure Rules in a local authority setting.
• Regulator of Social Housing.
• Housing Ombudsman.
• To be able to demonstrate commercial awareness.
• Able to demonstrate knowledge of strategic service planning.
• Detailed understanding of underlying concepts and principles of procurement best practice for construction related contracts in a social housing environment.
  
  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, cinemas and more.
• Salary sacrifice schemes for cars and bikes.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.