Head of Disrepair

Job Title: Head of Disrepair
Location: South East London
Contract Type: Temporary
Day Rate: £500-£550 per day
Start Date: ASAP

Overview:

We're working with a respected local authority in South East London seeking an experienced Head of Disrepair on a temporary basis. This senior interim role is critical to improving the management of legal disrepair claims, ensuring timely resolution, and leading a proactive strategy to reduce future cases.

You will oversee the full disrepair function, managing surveyors, legal officers, and contractors, and acting as the council's lead expert on disrepair matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the authority's disrepair service, managing all legal disrepair and pre-action claims.

• Supervise a multi-disciplinary team (surveyors, legal staff, admin).

• Ensure cases are investigated and resolved efficiently and within legal timeframes.

• Act as lead advisor on disrepair legislation and policy to senior officers and members.

• Manage contractor performance related to disrepair works and legal case resolution.

• Work closely with legal services on claim handling, settlements, and court proceedings.

• Implement strategies to reduce incoming claims and improve service standards.

• Monitor compliance, ensure accurate case records, and produce regular performance reports.

Essential Requirements:

• Extensive experience in disrepair management within a local authority or social housing setting.

• Strong understanding of relevant legislation: Landlord and Tenant Act, Housing Act, Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, and Civil Procedure Rules.

• Proven ability to manage and resolve complex legal disrepair cases.

• Strong leadership and performance management skills.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement, including legal teams, residents, senior leadership, and elected members.

• Familiar with housing management and case tracking systems.

• Professionally qualified in housing, building surveying, or legal discipline (desirable).

Contract Details:

• Location: South East London

• Rate: £500-£550 per day

• Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday

How to Apply:

If you have the expertise to take ownership of a busy disrepair function and the leadership to deliver lasting service improvements, apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion.