Head Of Housing Transformation & Improvement

The Head Of Housing Transformation & Improvement will lead major change programmes for a London local authority's Housing Service, reporting to the Assistant Director for Housing Improvement & Governance. This interim, full-time contract runs for 3-6 months initially, offering circa £300 Umbrella per day with hybrid working, requiring approximately three days on site. The successful candidate will steer a portfolio of complex projects focused on operational delivery, resident outcomes, governance, and financial sustainability. Strong leadership, programme management expertise, and a record of delivering improvement within social housing are essential. This role suits a seasoned professional ready to influence significant service reform, working collaboratively across teams.

Head of Housing Transformation & Improvement Location: London / Hybrid Contract: Interim, 3-6 months initially Rate: Circa £300 Umbrella per day Working pattern: Hybrid, with approximately 3 days on site Department: Housing Service Reports to: Assistant Director, Housing Improvement & Governance

An excellent interim opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Housing Transformation & Improvement to lead major change, improvement and delivery programmes within a London local authority Housing Service. This is a high-profile leadership role supporting a Housing Service on an ambitious improvement journey. You will lead a portfolio of complex programmes and projects designed to strengthen operational delivery, improve resident outcomes, embed effective governance and deliver financial sustainability. Working closely with the Assistant Director and senior leadership team, you will drive the delivery of key priorities including HRA budget management and savings, service charge reviews, multi-year transformation programmes, policy and strategy implementation, inspection readiness, digital improvement and investment in housing stock.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a coordinated portfolio of Housing transformation, improvement and business-change programmes.
• Establish and embed robust project and programme management practices across the service.
• Drive delivery of priority initiatives, including HRA financial recovery, savings programmes, service charge reviews and service redesign.
• Support the development and delivery of a long-term Housing plan, translating strategic priorities into practical, measurable delivery activity.
• Develop effective programme governance, reporting arrangements, performance indicators, budgets, targets and risk-management processes.
• Lead multidisciplinary delivery teams, bringing together colleagues across Housing, Finance, Data, Systems, Improvement and Operations.
• Analyse service-delivery options, assess value for money and develop evidence-based recommendations for senior leaders and elected members.
• Ensure resident insight, tenant satisfaction and meaningful engagement shape service improvement activity.
• Lead the development of evidence-led Housing strategies, policies and practices that reflect legislation, regulation and organisational priorities.
• Build strong relationships with senior officers, councillors, partners and stakeholders to secure buy-in and maintain delivery momentum.
• Maintain awareness of key housing legislation, national policy, regulatory expectations and external funding opportunities.

About you

• Significant experience delivering complex transformation programmes and projects, ideally within local authority Housing, social housing or a related public sector setting.
• Strong knowledge of the challenges facing Housing Services, including HRA finances, resident satisfaction, regulatory compliance, service charges and operational performance.
• Experience of working with senior officers, councillors and stakeholders within a politically led organisation.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate activity across a matrix managed environment.
• A strong understanding of programme governance, benefits realisation, performance management, budget monitoring and risk management.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including the confidence to challenge constructively and gain support for change.
• The ability to turn strategy into clear delivery plans, with measurable outcomes and accountability.
• Strong written, analytical and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to senior audiences.
• A recognised project or programme management qualification, such as PRINCE2, MSP or APM, is highly desirable.
• Degree level education or equivalent relevant professional experience.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a credible and delivery-focused Housing transformation professional to make a tangible impact on services, finances and outcomes for residents.