Housing Options Manager - maternity cover
We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications.
All submitted information, whether supported by AI or not, must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience, and qualifications.
Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.
From April 2027, Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey unitary council, following the government’s confirmed plans for local government reorganisation across Surrey. This change will see the current twelve councils replaced by two new authorities, East Surrey and West Surrey, with West Surrey taking responsibility for the areas currently served by Guildford, Waverley, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking.
As we move towards this transition, our focus remains firmly on delivering high‑quality, value‑for‑money services and staying true to our shared organisational values of Collaboration, Wellbeing, Trusted, Value for Money and Professionalism.
We recognise that any period of organisational change can bring questions, particularly regarding future structures and working arrangements. Throughout this process, we are committed to supporting our colleagues with transparency and care prioritising wellbeing, maintaining a trusted and open dialogue, and ensuring continued access to learning and professional development opportunities.
While the exact shape of the new West Surrey Council beyond 2027 is still being developed, joining us now means becoming part of an organisation where collaboration thrives and where your contribution will directly influence one of the most significant local government transformations in decades. You’ll gain valuable experience, play an active role in shaping the future of public services across West Surrey, and work within a team committed to professionalism and delivering outstanding outcomes for our communities.
Together, we will ensure a smooth transition and continue to deliver exceptional services for residents both now and into the future.
To apply for this vacancy, click the “Apply Online” link.
If you are not already on Waverley Borough Council's website for this vacancy, you will be redirected to our website's jobs page. Either click "Apply Online" at the bottom of this page, or at the top left hand side under Waverley Borough Council click either the "Log in" button (if you are already registered) or the "Register" button.
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If you are unable to use this service or would like assistance, please contact us via hr@waverley.gov.uk or call the Human Resources team on 01483 523388.
Do you want to lead an experienced, successful and enthusiastic team?
Are you looking for a role with variety, where you can be relied on for your expertise and experience?
Do you have detailed knowledge of homelessness legislation and housing need?
Do you have experience in leading a team that provides options advice to prevent and relieve homelessness alongside managing a housing register?
We are looking for a highly motivated team player to lead our Housing Options Team following growth of the team to respond to increasing demand. The Team prevents and relieves homelessness under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 as well as managing the Council’s Housing Register. Reporting to the Housing Needs Manager you will manage the team’s assessments of homeless applications to determine what statutory duties are owed to customers.
You will then guide the team as needed to ensure the effective and lawful discharge of the Council’s homelessness duties, whilst minimizing the number of households in emergency accommodation. Alongside this, you will be responsible for the accurate and timely process of housing register application in line with the Council’s Allocations scheme. You will have a small caseload of complex clients, and will also participate in the team’s duty rota.
The role requires excellent management, leadership and communication skills together with strong technical knowledge, initiative and the ability to think outside the box. Your experience of working in front line homelessness services will help you to remain calm under pressure and to enable the team to continue to deliver the highest levels of customer service. You will have a good understanding of the Housing Act Part VI and VII (as amended), the Renters Reform Act, and the recently launched National Plan to End Homeless. You will also have excellent people skills, backed up by great IT skills and the ability to keep run reports, keep accurate records and meet deadlines.
Waverley is an ambitious, dynamic, and innovative local authority, proud of being one of the highest performing Councils in the country. Key to our success is our commitment to team working and ongoing development of our high performing, highly engaged workforce, who all share in the delivery of the organisation’s values and corporate objectives.
Waverley is a beautiful place, consistently rated as one of the best places in the Country to live and to work. The borough is within easy reach of London and the south coast.
Waverley takes a robust approach to thoroughly checking anyone who wants to work with children or vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure at the Enhanced level from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Further information can be obtained from www.disclosure.gov.uk.
The role will be a mixture of Office and Home Working (Hybrid) following successful completion of a probationary period. The successful applicant will have a valid driving licence and a vehicle available for work purposes.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Elizabeth Donaldson, Housing Needs Manager, on 01483 523452.
Closing date for applications: 9:00am on Wednesday 22nd April 2026
Interview date: – Tuesday 28th April 2026. There will be a 30 minute paper-based exercise prior to each interview
We do not accept CVs without a completed application form. Strictly no agencies please.
In return for your valued contribution, we can offer you a competitive benefits package which includes hybrid working and agile working policies, training and development opportunities, generous annual leave and flexi time, free onsite parking, an employee assistance scheme and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. You can find out more about working at Waverley and our benefits by visiting - Working at Waverley Borough Council | Waverley Borough Council
The district is home to many different people, and we want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences - we are a Disability Confident employer and appoint on merit. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility here
We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving or ex-members of the armed forces and their partners. We offer an interview scheme for serving and ex-military forces members when they meet the essential criteria for the role. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility here
Please note we do not accept applications after the stated closing time and right to work in the UK will be checked as part of the interview process.
Salary range
- £52,952 per year