Location
London Borough of Sutton, The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton.

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
Not specified

About the Role
This is a pivotal leadership role shaping lives by leading the end-to-end housing solutions journey from triage and homelessness assessment to statutory reviews and resettlement support, including Afghan and Ukraine schemes and asylum pathways. You will own the homelessness strategy, legal compliance, and judicial reviews, rebuilding a joined-up system with Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, and the third sector. Your leadership will drive cultural change, break down silos, and embed Sutton values across a committed team. Key priorities include refreshing the Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy, driving prevention for families and care leavers, and using data to design initiatives that reduce demand. You will also oversee safeguarding, equality, risk management, and ensure robust business continuity planning for critical services.

The role is central to delivering a system that works effectively for residents and partners alike. It requires a leader who combines technical expertise with empathy and clarity, turning strategy into tangible outcomes. Sutton is committed to prevention but recognises there is more to do. This is an opportunity to lead one of London’s most important housing transformations with purpose and pace.

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is located less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Situated in zone 5, Sutton offers excellent transport links, award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing, and great schools. The borough enjoys high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, delivering quality services while addressing financial challenges and involving residents in key issues and local developments.

Sutton is investing continuously in the health, wellbeing, and education of its residents and future generations, as outlined in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. It is home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research. With the development of the London Cancer Hub, Sutton aims to become the world’s leading life-science district specialising in cancer research and treatment, creating around 13,000 jobs and contributing £1.2bn annually to the UK economy. The borough is passionate about working closely with residents and vulnerable groups to maintain independence and balance support with independent living.

The Council is a driving force within the South London Partnership, focused on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment. Sutton aims to shape the future of the borough to make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

About the Service and Team
Sutton is defined by ambition, community, and change. It boasts a strong local identity, vibrant neighbourhoods, and a commitment to delivering impactful services. As one of London’s greenest and safest boroughs, Sutton offers excellent schools, thriving businesses, and a strong sense of community. Housing is central to this mission, and the council is seeking senior leaders to stabilise, modernise, and transform housing services. Priorities include providing safe, secure, and affordable homes, reducing temporary accommodation use, strengthening systems and compliance, and working in partnership with Sutton Housing Partnership and other stakeholders to put residents first.

Experience
Substantial experience in homelessness and resettlement law and practice. Proven track record of strategic leadership and partnership working. Ability to manage risk and complexity effectively. Experience working in a political environment, advising elected members, and representing the council externally.

About you
Politically astute, collaborative, and passionate about prevention. Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead cultural change and embed organisational values. Empathetic with clarity in communication. Committed to delivering tangible outcomes and driving transformation in housing services.

Qualifications
Not explicitly stated, but a strong background in housing, homelessness, or related fields is implied given the seniority and technical requirements of the role.