Private Rented Sector Lead

Private Rented Sector Lead 
Salary £45,701 - £49,087 pa plus an essential Car user 
allowance 
36 Hours per week 

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Private Rented 
Sector Lead to drive forward a new approach to securing accommodation in the 
private rented sector for residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 
This is a key leadership role within Housing Options, focused on building strong 
landlord and partner relationships, developing flexible incentive-based schemes, 
and increasing access to good quality, sustainable private rented 
accommodation. 

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and operational 
oversight, helping to create a more target-driven, financially sustainable and 
integrated service. You will use market intelligence, performance data and 
partnership working to improve outcomes for residents, reduce reliance on 
temporary accommodation, and support wider service development across West 
Surrey.  

What you will be doing: 
• Develop and implement a new incentive-based approach to securing 
private rented accommodation.  
• Lead the service towards a more commercial, proactive and target-driven 
model.  
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, letting agents, 
Registered Providers, developers, neighbouring authorities and wider 
housing partners.  
• Use business intelligence, market analysis and performance information to 
shape service delivery and demonstrate value for money.  
• Exercise strong financial oversight of incentive schemes, rent deposits and 
rent in advance arrangements.  
• Support homelessness prevention, tenancy sustainment and move-on 
from temporary accommodation.  
• Coach, manage and develop staff, embedding effective performance 
management and a culture of continuous improvement.  
• Provide specialist knowledge on homelessness duties, tenancy 
sustainment, suitability, property standards and relevant housing 
legislation.  

You will be a confident, resilient and solution-focused housing professional with 
the ability to combine strategic thinking with practical delivery. You will 
understand the pressures facing local authorities, landlords and residents, and 
will be able to negotiate effectively to achieve positive, sustainable outcomes.  
We are looking for someone who is commercially aware, data-informed and 
comfortable working to ambitious targets. You will be able to lead change, 
manage budgets responsibly, develop productive partnerships and inspire others 
to deliver high-quality services. Strong communication, report-writing and 
stakeholder management skills will be essential, alongside a sound 
understanding of homelessness prevention, private rented sector housing and 
safeguarding responsibilities.  

Why join us?  
This is an opportunity to shape a developing area of the Housing Options service 
and make a direct contribution to preventing homelessness, improving access to 
secure accommodation and reducing the need for temporary accommodation. 
You will play a visible role in building a stronger, more sustainable private rented 
sector offer for residents and partners.  
This post is identified as a hybrid post supporting both office and home working in 
line with Spelthorne Borough Council’s policy. The post holder will be required to 
attend the office in line with a rota and any service requirements. 
The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate 
spoken English is essential for customer facing posts.  These posts fall within the 
scope of the Code of Practice on English language requirement for public sector 
workers.  The Council, therefore, has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the 
Immigration Act 2016 to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken 
English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. If you 
have any queries or would like to discuss this further, please contact Human 
Resources. 

Please note as part of the employment checks this post will be subject to a Basic 
Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. 

Please note that as part of the employment checks, this post has an essential car 
user allowance attached to it. A valid driving licence, and access to a vehicle 
insured for business use will be required. 

Spelthorne Borough Council use the Microsoft Authenticator app as a secure way 
of accessing our network.  Successful candidates will be required to use their own 
mobile device to download and use Authenticator. 

In return, we can offer excellent conditions of service with a benefits’ package that 
includes flexible working hours, pension scheme and at least 23 days’ paid leave 
per year (pro rata for part time).   

Closing date:  9th October 2026 12 noon 
Interview date:  27th October 2026 

To apply please use the ‘apply online’ button. 
CVs can only be accepted in support of a completed application form. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to reply to all candidates.  If we have not contacted, 
you within 3 weeks of the closing date then your application has been 
unsuccessful.  All shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email after the 
closing date.  

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) 
Spelthorne Borough Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, 
moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027.  Please 
see more information here Local government in Surrey is changing | Spelthorne 
Borough Council and also Future Surrey – Surrey LGR Hub 

Working towards equal opportunities 
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