Location
Sutton, London Borough of Sutton

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£67,575 per annum

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 is known for 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 specializing in cancer research and treatment, creating around 13,000 jobs and contributing £1.2bn annually to the UK economy. The borough is committed to regeneration with new homes and schools, working closely with residents and vulnerable groups to balance support and independent living.

The Council is a key driver within the South London Partnership, focusing on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment across five outer south west London boroughs. Sutton aims to shape its future to be 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. Recognised as one of London’s greenest and safest boroughs, Sutton has excellent schools, thriving businesses, and a strong community spirit. Ensuring access to safe, secure, and affordable homes is central to this mission.

The housing service is undergoing transformation with four senior leaders driving stabilisation, modernisation, and change. Following a major transition, the service is embedding a new culture across teams. Priorities include securing safe affordable homes, reducing temporary accommodation use, improving systems and compliance, and strengthening partnerships with Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) and other stakeholders to prioritise residents.

If you want to lead purposeful and rapid change, this is your opportunity.

About the Role and Our Ideal Candidate
This role acts as the Council’s key liaison with SHP, leading governance, compliance, and performance assurance. You will advise Members and senior leaders, co-author the Housing Strategy and key policies, refresh the HRA Business Plan, negotiate management fees, and shape business cases for investment and regeneration. Balancing the HRA and external grants, you will maximise affordable homes while maintaining quality.

You will work across housing services to align strategies, policies, and national best practices. Your responsibilities include housing policy reviews, responding to emerging issues and legislative changes, and ensuring SHP meets all statutory and regulatory requirements. This role suits someone who thrives on complexity and collaboration and can translate technical detail into clear advice for decision-makers.

While the partnership with SHP is strong, there is more to achieve. This role is central to strengthening governance and delivering a housing and homelessness strategy that reflects Sutton’s ambition. We seek a leader with technical expertise, political awareness, and the ability to build strong relationships across the council and beyond.

Our Offer to You
We are committed to nurturing talent and supporting your career growth in a friendly, collaborative environment. Your ideas will be encouraged and supported by a dynamic and experienced management team.

Benefits include:
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 32 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption, and dependents leave
- Two volunteering days per year
- Flexible working arrangements under the Smarter Working Scheme (role dependent)
- Adjustable and agile working using Google Chromebooks
- Access to a learning and development portal with a range of courses
- Discounts at local shops, restaurants, gyms, and leisure centres
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle car leasing scheme
- Confidential health, wellbeing, and counselling support

Experience
Extensive knowledge of the social housing regulatory and financial framework. Proven experience in policy development, performance assurance, and stakeholder engagement. Confident in managing data, risk, and governance processes.

About you
A strategic leader who thrives on complexity and collaboration. Able to translate technical and regulatory detail into clear, actionable advice for senior leaders and decision-makers. Politically aware with strong relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders. Ambitious and committed to delivering transformational change in housing services.

Qualifications
Relevant professional qualifications or equivalent experience in housing, public administration, or related fields are desirable. A strong understanding of housing legislation, governance, and compliance is essential.