Assistant Director of Planned Maintenance

Description

Southwark is a brilliantly diverse and economically varied borough, home to a wide range of communities that contribute to its vibrant character. As we continue to build a greener, fairer, and safer Southwark, we are looking for exceptional individuals who are passionate about making a real difference to our residents and communities. The Assistant Director of Planned Maintenance plays a crucial role in this mission, managing large-scale projects that ensure the safety, sustainability, and quality of our housing stock.

About the role:

As the Assistant Director of Planned Maintenance you will be responsible for overseeing multi-million-pound contracts for the maintenance and refurbishment of our homes across the borough. You will need to ensure the delivery of high-quality, value-for-money services across Southwark’s extensive housing portfolio, which includes around 55,000 homes. You will be at the forefront of building and maintaining relationships with service providers, partners, and stakeholders, driving sustainable and cost-effective outcomes that align with the Council’s commitment to equality and community focus.

You will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations under the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill, Fire Safety Act, and Building Safety Act. You will monitor and improve service delivery, holding both staff and contractors accountable, and prioritising the needs of Southwark’s diverse communities. In addition, you will provide expert advice to senior leadership, influencing policy development at both national and regional levels, ensuring that Southwark continues to meet its legal responsibilities while delivering for its residents.

As a key leader, you will foster a team culture of continuous learning, growth, and inclusion. You will be responsible for recruiting, coaching, and mentoring talent, ensuring that the team thrives and that the service remains innovative and responsive to change. Working closely with the Housing Leadership Team, you will help set strategic priorities, manage resources, and lead sensitive negotiations, always championing Southwark’s values of equality, transparency, and community-centred service.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a dynamic, highly skilled, motivated and collaborative leader with an in-depth understanding of both current and upcoming legislation, particularly the Building Safety Bill, and the financial challenges faced by local authorities. This means you will need to hold full membership with either the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

You will need to demonstrate a proven track record of leadership at a senior level, with experience in coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams in politically led environments. You will have strong communication skills, capable of engaging and collaborating with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including diverse communities. Your ability to consult with residents, analyse their needs, and overcome challenges will be key to driving positive outcomes for Southwark’s diverse population.

If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact in a borough as richly diverse as Southwark, and have the skills to lead service excellence, innovation, and community-focused outcomes, we would love to hear from you.

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