Assistant Director of Repairs & Planned Works

Assistant Director - Housing Repairs & Planned Works The Opportunity Goodman Masson is delighted to be partnering with the London Borough of Waltham Forest on the appointment of an Assistant Director - Housing Repairs & Planned Works . This is a significant senior leadership role with strategic, operational and financial responsibility for the Council's housing repairs and maintenance service. Reporting to the Director of Housing Management & Assets , the Assistant Director will lead a major service area with responsibility for a £20m budget and five Heads of Service , providing strategic direction while ensuring high-quality operational delivery to residents. The role will also play a key role within the wider Directorate Management Team, supporting the Council's strategic priorities across Housing, Regeneration and Growth. The Role As Assistant Director, you will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of responsive repairs, planned works and maintenance across the Council's housing stock. You will translate corporate and political priorities into clear service strategies, plans and outcomes, ensuring that services are delivered effectively, efficiently and within agreed resources. You will provide expert advice and challenge to the Council's Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team, Directors and elected Members , while acting as a senior professional representative for the Council with external stakeholders and partners. This is an opportunity for an established housing leader to influence a large and complex service, drive meaningful improvement and shape the future delivery model for repairs and planned investment. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Provide strategic policy direction and leadership across Housing Repairs, Maintenance and Planned Works. Lead the development, implementation and delivery of service strategies aligned with the Council's wider corporate objectives. Establish service priorities and anticipate changing political, regulatory and operational requirements. Provide strategic advice, challenge and professional leadership to Members, the Chief Executive, SLT and senior colleagues. Contribute to the strategic direction and corporate management of the Council as part of the Directorate Management Team. Lead significant strategic programmes, projects and initiatives across the Council and its partnerships. Repairs & Planned Works Take overall responsibility for the delivery of responsive and planned repairs across the Council's housing stock. Ensure repairs and planned works are delivered to agreed specifications, standards and timescales. Ensure the Repairs & Maintenance programme is informed by robust asset management data and a coherent strategic approach. Drive improvements in service quality, performance, customer satisfaction and value for money. Ensure effective resources, communication and engagement strategies are in place to support large and complex programmes. Oversee the delivery of major programmes and ensure they achieve agreed outcomes. Financial & Commercial Management Have overall responsibility for a £20m service budget . Ensure effective financial management, cost control and income maximisation. Drive value for money across the service and ensure resources are deployed effectively. Identify opportunities for external funding where appropriate. Lead effective commissioning, procurement and contract management. Oversee long-term strategic framework contracts and ensure delivery partners achieve agreed outcomes. Ensure robust financial planning, monitoring and reporting across major programmes. Performance, Governance & Risk Develop and maintain robust performance and quality management frameworks. Ensure service delivery meets all relevant legislation, regulation, codes, standards and best practice. Establish clear governance arrangements and accountabilities across programmes and partnerships. Identify and manage operational, financial, regulatory and political risks. Ensure underperformance and deficiencies are identified and actively addressed. Provide clear performance reporting to senior leadership and Members. Leadership & Transformation You will lead a senior management structure comprising five Heads of Service , creating an environment where managers and teams can perform, innovate and continuously improve. You will: Set clear strategic direction and expectations. Develop a high-performing and accountable management culture. Drive organisational change and challenge traditional ways of working. Develop new approaches to improve service outcomes. Ensure appropriate workforce structures and resources are in place. Lead performance management and address underperformance effectively. Create the conditions for innovation and continuous improvement. Stakeholder & Political Engagement This role requires exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills. You will build and maintain effective relationships with: