Strategic Housing and Commissioning Team Leader
Job Summary
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
04/11/2026
Advert End Date:
18/11/2026 23:59
Salary:
Grade 13 £48,738 - £53,051
Employment Location:
Corten House, Durham or Customer Access Point, Seaham (Plus Hybrid Working)
Further Information
Lead the strategic development and commissioning of housing and support services that prevent homelessness, reduce rough sleeping and improve outcomes for people experiencing housing crisis.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and inspiring leader to play a key role in shaping housing strategy, commissioning services and partnership working across County Durham. As a Strategic Housing and Commissioning Team Leader, you will lead a team of housing strategy and commissioning professionals and work with colleagues and partners to deliver person-centred, evidence-based services aligned with local, regional, and national priorities.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
You will play a leading role in shaping housing policy, commissioning effective services and ensuring strategic priorities are delivered through strong partnership working, innovation and continuous improvement.
You will drive the development of housing strategy and commissioning services that support people experiencing housing crisis and promote sustainable housing solutions.
In this key leadership role, you will:
- Lead and develop a team of housing strategy and commissioning professionals, ensuring effective service delivery and achievement of strategic objectives.
- Shape and deliver housing strategy, commissioning and policy frameworks that influence local, regional, and national priorities.
- Commission and oversee services that prevent homelessness, support recovery, and enable sustainable housing solutions.
- Manage contracts, performance and budgets for commissioned housing and support services.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with local authorities, registered providers, developers, health and care organisations, voluntary sector partners and other stakeholders.
- Lead engagement with residents, partners, and stakeholders to support strategy development and service improvement.
- Provide expert housing policy and strategy advice to senior leaders and elected Members, and represent the Council on strategic partnerships and boards.
- Use data, insight, and evidence to drive continuous improvement and improve outcomes for residents.
We encourage you to contact Peter Ollivere (Strategy, Partnerships & Commissioning Manager) via email at Peter.Ollivere@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
You will need:
- To be educated to Degree level or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
- Proven experience in housing strategy, commissioning, or service development.
- Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex projects.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people from different backgrounds.
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd December 2026.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website.
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.
Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentREG@durham.gov.uk
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
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