Director of Housing Needs & Support

Southwark Council is seeking a strategic and visionary Director of Housing Needs and Support to lead a transformative approach to housing services in one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs.

The Director of Housing Needs and Support will lead efforts to reduce homelessness, improve housing quality, and ensure effective access to vital support services. This role requires a strategic leader with the ability to navigate complex policy environments and work closely with external partners, including housing associations and regulatory bodies, to deliver innovative, integrated solutions. You will be responsible for developing a unified housing strategy that aligns with Southwark’s broader vision and values, transforming the way housing services are delivered across the borough. With a focus on early intervention and prevention, you will lead on reducing reliance on temporary accommodation and strengthening partnerships to provide compassionate and effective services for those in need. 

This is a pivotal role at a time of significant change, following a recent review of the Housing Department’s structure that has highlighted the need for enhanced senior management capacity and better team alignment. You will bring extensive experience in strategic planning, policy development, and leadership within a large, complex organisation, ideally within local government. Your expertise will help shape the future of housing in Southwark, driving cultural transformation and improving outcomes for our residents. 

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Southwark at a time of significant transformation. With over 5,000 staff, we work together to build a fairer, greener, and more resilient borough by 2030. We are committed to treating residents as valued members of our own family, making Southwark a place to be proud of, and standing against all forms of discrimination and racism.