Housing Allocations Manager (Permanent)

Are you an experienced housing professional looking for an opportunity to lead a high-performing allocations service and make a real difference to local residents?

We are seeking a proactive and knowledgeable Housing Allocations Manager to lead the Council's Housing Allocations Team and oversee the effective delivery of the Housing Register and Choice Based Lettings Scheme. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in ensuring social housing is allocated fairly, transparently and in accordance with legislation, policy and best practice.

The successful candidate will provide leadership and support to the Allocations Team, ensuring housing register applications are assessed accurately, vacant homes are allocated efficiently, and strong partnerships are maintained with housing associations and other registered providers. The role will also lead on the review and development of allocations policies and procedures, ensuring the service remains compliant, customer-focused and responsive to changing legislation and local housing pressures.

About the role

• Leading and developing the Housing Allocations Team to deliver an effective and customer-focused service.
• Managing the Council's Housing Register and Choice Based Lettings Scheme.
• Ensuring housing applications are assessed and verified in accordance with legislation, policy and procedure.
• Overseeing the allocation of social housing and management of nomination agreements with registered providers.
• Developing and reviewing policies, procedures and service improvements.
• Monitoring performance, producing reports and ensuring accurate statistical returns.
• Working with colleagues, housing providers and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes for residents.

Who we’re looking for

• Significant housing allocations experience, including management or supervisory responsibility.
• Experience of leading, motivating and developing staff teams.
• A strong understanding of housing allocations legislation, policy and best practice.
• Experience of performance management, service improvement and policy development.
• Excellent communication and partnership-working skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with residents, colleagues, councillors and external organisations.
• Ability to manage complex cases, make sound decisions and work confidently in a busy environment.
• Strong organisational, analytical and IT skills, including the ability to produce clear reports and correspondence.
• A proactive and innovative approach, with a commitment to delivering excellent customer service and continuous improvement

What we offer

When you join us your expertise, skills and experience will be valued, and your career development will be our priority.

We are committed to creating a collaborative and innovative environment which empowers you to thrive. You will be part of a friendly, supportive One Team culture with the chance to make a real difference.

We use Viva Engage to keep you connected and engaged and we hold regular face to face meetings, such as Chief Executive briefings to keep you in the loop.

We are conveniently located close to Oxted Station and have some on-site parking.

In addition to the stated pay, we offer membership and contributions towards the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working (giving you the opportunity to work from home for up to three days a week), flexi-time, payment of a relevant professional subscription and access to a discounted health scheme.

Please visit our website for more information about working for us www.tandridge.gov.uk/jobs and download our Working for Tandridge guide.

Diversity statement

At Tandridge District Council, we pride ourselves on maintaining an inclusive workplace, ensuring equality, fairness, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do and good practice is embedded in the Council’s culture and services.

We welcome applications from all sectors of our community, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and all groups protected under the Equality Act.

Tandridge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Want to know more?

If this sounds like your kind of challenge and you want to be part of our friendly and supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

If you’d like to find out more, please read our role profile and specification, or for an informal discussion about the role, please e-mail Samantha Jacobs at Sjacobs@tandridge.gov.uk

Local Government Reorganisation

The government is reorganising local councils in Surrey. The current two-tier system where services are split between Surrey County Council and district or borough councils, will be replaced by two new unitary councils - East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council.

East Surrey Council will cover Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge District managing all local services, including housing, planning, waste, education, roads and social care.

Although this may lead to some uncertainty for anyone considering a role with us, we need to continue to provide services.

When the new councils are created in April 2027, most staff will transfer to the new council on their current terms and conditions. Being part of a larger organisation may offer additional opportunities for career development and variety.

The majority of the roles we currently have will still be needed whether that is for planning, housing, recycling and waste, finance, IT, HR etc. Find out more about what local government reorganisation means for us

Find out more about what local government reorganisation means for us.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We understand that some applicants may use AI tools to assist with preparing their applications.

All submitted information, whether supported by AI or not, must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience and qualifications.

Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.