Housing Policy and Enforcement Manager

We're committed to delivering high-quality, safe and affordable homes for our communities. Our Housing Service plays a critical role in shaping housing policy, supporting vulnerable residents, and enabling the delivery of affordable housing schemes across the District.

As our new Housing Policy and Enforcement Manager, you'll lead a dedicated team of four, which includes one Housing Enabling Officer, two Senior Private Sector Housing Officers, and one Private Sector Housing Support Officer, alongside indirect line management of external contractors. You'll shape long-term plans, deliver projects that make a real difference, and work closely with partners to drive forward the Council's housing ambitions.

Everything you need to know

We're looking for an experienced housing professional with strategic vision, leadership ability, and a passion for improving homes and lives. Based at our Sevenoaks office, you'll also work closely with communities, contractors, and regional housing partners to ensure local needs are met and standards are upheld.

You'll be appointed at Band G (£51,494 - £54,587), with additional benefits including a generous pension, flexible working options, and a supportive working environment that values your expertise and initiative.

What you will be doing

• Leading the Housing Policy and Enforcement team, managing officers and external contractors to deliver the Council's housing priorities.
• Developing and delivering the Council's Housing Strategy, Empty Homes Strategy, and Private Sector Housing Grant and Enforcement Policies.
• Supporting and enabling affordable housing delivery through strategic partnerships with Registered Providers, Homes England and health sector organisations.
• Driving improvements in private sector housing, including the use of enforcement powers, licensing schemes, and grant delivery (e.g. Disabled Facilities Grants).
• Overseeing the development and consultation of housing policy, ensuring plans are evidence-led and responsive to local need.
• Managing housing data, needs assessments and monitoring performance against key targets and national indicators.
• Representing the Council at regional forums and working groups, such as the Kent Housing Group Strategy and Enabling Sub-Group.
• Deputising for the Head of Housing when required and advising Members, SMT and external partners.

What you will bring to the role

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Full driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to analyse housing needs across a wide range of community groups.
• Proven success in housing policy, strategy, enabling and/or private sector housing enforcement.
• Substantial experience in managing projects, teams and partnerships in a local government or housing setting.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with elected Members, developers, landlords, planners, and residents.
• Strong understanding of current housing legislation, planning policy and funding mechanisms.
• A track record of developing successful bids and securing external funding for housing initiatives.
• Budget and performance management experience with a focus on outcomes, risk management and value for money.
• A customer-focused approach and ability to work flexibly, including occasional out-of-hours attendance.

What's in it for you

We are one of the few local government authorities to hold Platinum Investors in People accreditation - our commitment to supporting and developing you is genuine and ongoing.

Other benefits include:

• Enhanced annual leave of 31 days (excluding bank holidays)
• Additional leave after 5 years of service
• Extra Christmas closure day
• Hybrid working
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Opportunities to join in with social activities
• Free parking
• Employee benefits including discounts on shopping, travel, days out and more,
• Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT
• Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme; a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service

Find out more

For an informal discussion about this role, please get in touch with Alison Simmons on:

Best chance of being shortlisted

Read the Job Description and Personal Specification attached to the role and ensure that your supporting statement explains how you meet the essential requirements, as your application will be judged against these criteria.

Closing date: 7th September 23:59

Interview date: 25th September

Equal Opportunities

Sevenoaks - Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Sevenoaks District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

How to apply

Please apply online (see below). If this is not possible, please contact a member of the HR team by either emailing or contacting us on to discuss how we can assist you in applying.

Further information on this vacancy

• Housing Policy Enforcement Manager