Service Director – Housing

Description

Enabling People, Empowering Communities, Enhancing Places 

Sandwell’s story is one of potential and striving to realise the ambitions of our borough, our residents and communities. We have been through a period of significant challenge including government intervention, but through determination and our drive for excellence, we look to the future with pride and a sense of purpose. While we have come so far, there is more to do; breaking down silos, embedding our values across the organisation, and ensuring that we continue to transform to deliver the best services for our residents. Created 50 years ago from six proud towns, each unique but united by a shared identity and rich culture, Sandwell is a place built on making things happen. It’s where industry met innovation, and where strong communities continue to shape the future.

As one of the UK’s largest local authority social housing providers, with over 27,000 homes making up more than 20% of all housing in Sandwell, we are on a bold journey to transform housing services for our residents. Our new Service Director of Housing will be at the forefront of this transformation - leading the charge to modernise systems, refresh processes and policies, and tackle a legacy of challenges head-on. We have already made significant progress – taking action to comply with the requirements of the consumer standards framework by implementing a new safety compliance software system, improving the quality of our building safety data and reviewing our 30-year HRA Business Plan. However, there is still a lot to do to deliver against our comprehensive Housing Improvement and Transformation Plan and deliver the excellence to which we aspire.  We now need a strategic and hands-on leader to drive forward our improvement plan, to ensure that our services are safe, responsive, and future-ready.

This is a role for someone who thrives in complexity and is passionate about delivering for our diverse communities. You will lead a committed team through a period of rapid change - embedding new policies, securing vital safety data, and working closely with Members, the Regulator, and partners to deliver on our commitments, including legislative changes, high-rise safety, and Right to Buy implications. With strong relationships already in place, you’ll have the platform to make a real difference and join an authority that is on a steep upward trajectory.

We are therefore looking for a leader who brings not just experience, but presence, clarity, and conviction. You will bring an ability to confidently engage with elected Members across all parties, earning their trust through transparency, insight, and results. A natural communicator and analytical thinker; you will front up a compelling vision, while keeping your teams focused, motivated, and on track.

This is a role for someone who can modify mindsets, build momentum, and create a high-performing, resident-focused culture. If you’re ready to lead one of the most ambitious housing transformations in the country, we want to hear from you.

For a confidential conversation about the role please contact our executive search partners GatenbySanderson: Rebecca Hopkin via rebecca.hopkin@gatenbysanderson.com or 07827 098 173, or Delicia Coutinho via Delicia.coutinho@gatenbysanderson.com or 07741 264 892.

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