Manager of ABC Lettings

Are you ready to lead a transformative housing initiative that directly impacts lives across Ashford?

We are seeking a commercially astute Manager to head up ABC Lettings which is our innovative Social Lettings Agency. This is a unique opportunity to shape housing strategy, reduce homelessness, and improve access to quality, affordable private rented accommodation for residents living and working in the borough.

You will be responsible for the strategic development, promotion, and operational management of the Council’s Social Lettings Agency. Your leadership will drive the procurement and marketing strategies that underpin our housing offer, ensuring properties are safe, well-managed, and meet all statutory requirements, along with:

Implementing a robust Accommodation and Procurement Strategy aligned with homelessness prevention goals.

Acting as a key ambassador for the Council, promoting our reputation for excellence in property management.

Engaging and negotiating with landlords to secure high-quality properties for managed and leased schemes.

Monitoring market trends and rental values to inform procurement decisions and cost-saving initiatives.

Ensuring properties meet all legal and safety standards, including HHSRS, gas, electrical, and fire safety compliance.

Managing budgets, monitoring expenditure, and ensuring financial sustainability of the schemes.

In order to excel in this role, it is essential that you have extensive experience in residential lettings, either from the private sector or within public sector housing and have a proven track record of managing teams and budgets, along with:

Having knowledge of property legislation, market trends, and landlord engagement.Being a confident communicator, skilled negotiator, and strategic thinker with a passion for delivering high-impact housing solutions.

A strong understanding of property management regulations and market dynamics

Budget management and procurement expertise

Excellent communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills

Click to view a Job Description

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Jo Fox, Assistant Director of Housing, 01233 330803

When Applying – please ensure that you have received confirmation of a submitted application once completed. For any assistance in completing the application form, please email recruitment@ashford.gov.uk

Hybrid Working - We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working. Competitive remuneration package - We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.

With devolution news and talks evolving across the country for local authorities, we understand that there may be some uncertainty for those currently serving within the sector. Although Kent and Medway have not been included in the Devolution Priority Programme, discussions continue in this area. Kent, Medway and all District and Borough Councils in the South East will continue to work closely with each other to deliver vital services to our communities. This is an exciting, but stable time to join our organisation.

Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide

We welcome applications form the Armed Forces Community